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Project Title & Location
Mt. Vernon Siding Upgrade – Mt. Vernon, WA
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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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Contractor/Consultant
Burlington Northern and Santa Fe Railway, Ft Worth, TX
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Recent Progress
This project was also included in a package of projects that will likely be funded by Sound Transit through an agreement with Burlington Northern and Santa Fe (BNSF) Railway. BNSF, the host railroad, indicated they may ask that state funding for this project be redirected to another state-sponsored project in the Everett area known as “PA Jct. Curve Realignments & Delta Yard Storage Tracks.” The result would be an expanded scope for Everett-area project and deletion of the Ballard project, but the exact implications have not been determined. The department is awaiting completion of the Sound Transit-BNSF agreement to determine appropriate action.
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Design Construction Impacts
Project design has not begun at this time. The current construction sequence involves first upgrading the existing siding to the north of the city of Mt. Vernon. The final stage would be the construction of storage tracks to replace the storage the siding currently provides. Design of the storage tracks will not be complete before upgrades to the siding begin.
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Environmental Impacts / Compliance
There will be no impacts from the siding upgrade work, but impacts from the new storage track have not been determined.
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Impacts to Traffic
There may be some brief work windows that may effect rail operations for both freight and passenger trains as new track is connected to the current track. Amtrak Cascades passengers may occasionally be moved by motor coach to allow for these work windows.
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