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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
The Washington Utilities and Transportation Commission (WUTC) hearings regarding the proposed closure of the Hickox Road at-grade crossing were finished the end of February 2008. The WUTC issued the Final Order on November 4, 2008, which supports closing the crossing to the public, but allows emergency services access for medical, rescue, and flooding situations. A private business appealed the determination. The WUTC will respond by mid-January 2009. Currently the project has been moved into the 2011-2013 biennium as BNSF seeks additional funding.
In October 2007 the city of Mount Vernon filed a lawsuit against the State Rail and Marine Office for filing improper notice in preparation for the closure of the Hickox Road at-grade crossing. The lawsuit is still pending. Neither the city nor WSDOT has taken any further action pending the decision of the WUTC in closing the crossing.
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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 to determine 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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