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Project Title & Location
Mt. Vernon Siding Upgrade – Mt. Vernon
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Project Description
Completes contractual commitments with the host railroad to upgrade the existing rail siding for on-time reliability. Guarantees the continued operation of the second train on this route, currently operating between Seattle and Bellingham.
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Recent Progress
Delays to the schedule arise from the proposed closure of Hickox Road. As previously reported, unknown costs for mitigating the Hickox Road closure, wetland mitigation, and rail control signals had put the project budget of $3.8 million at risk. However, BNSF has determined that they will funds any costs above the currently available funds for the project.
The proposed closure of the Hickox Road at-grade crossing has met resistance from residents and officials from the city of Mt. Vernon and Skagit County. BNSF Railway petitioned the Washington Utilities and Transportation Commission (WUTC) to close the crossing in April 2007. The WUTC hearing is scheduled for January 2008. A meeting was held in December 2007 at which parties concerned with the crossing closure met to discuss concerns. Construction is now anticipated to begin in April 2008. Considering this timeline, a re-appropriation of $1.8 million from the 2005-2007 biennium into the 2007-2009 biennium is required.
BNSF is investigating and appraising property for acquisition to expand right-of-way for the project. Because of growth in business developments next to the current rail line, BNSF will conduct a geotechnical evaluation.
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Environmental Impacts / Compliance
The first phase of the project, the upgrade of the existing track, required only documentation for compliance with both the National and State Environmental Policy Acts. The second phase of the project, the siding extension, will require a biological assessment for its effects on endangered species. In February 2006 a wetland was discovered; a wetland fill permit has been processed.
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Impacts to Traffic
There may be some brief work windows that may affect rail operation for both freight and passenger trains as old signals are replaced with new signals. Amtrak Cascades passengers may experience short delays on trains traveling between Vancouver or Bellingham and Seattle. The Hickox Road at-grade crossing may need to be closed to allow the siding extension to be used .
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