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Recent Progress
WSDOT has developed a phased plan for the project using existing state funds. Phase 1 will construct improvements that will allow Amtrak Cascades trains to use the bypass route without being delayed by freight or Sounder commuter trains. This will also reduce travel times between Seattle/Tacoma and Portland by six minutes.
Completion of Phase I creates additional main line capacity for the Union Pacific Railroad and the BNSF Railway. The freed up capacity comes from the elimination of eight daily passenger trains on the congested main line between the Port of Tacoma and Nisqually. The added main line capacity supports the broader public sector goal of improved freight mobility.
Sound Transit and WSDOT have discussed cost sharing and joint construction of this project. However, the two agencies have different timelines for construction. Sound Transit intends to complete their project by the end of 2007. State funds for construction on the shared rail line do not become available until mid-2007 ($3.5 million), mid-2009 ($16.9 million), and mid-2011 ($37.4 million). This will prevent the two agencies from constructing the projects simultaneously and potentially reducing costs for both Sound Transit and WSDOT.
The lack of coordinated investments will cause Sound Transit to design and build only for its needs. When WSDOT funding becomes available, major components of the Sound Transit work will need to be redone to provide for both Sounder commuter service and Amtrak Cascades intercity service.
Recently, Sound Transit and WSDOT began exploring the feasibility of constructing a new grade separation in downtown Tacoma that would support more efficient passenger train operations and ensure public safety. WSDOT has met with Sound Transit to discuss preliminary cost estimates for the structure and the acquisition of additional land. However, neither agency has funds for a Pacific Avenue grade separation. If additional funding can be secured for this grade separation project, it would solve operational challenges associated with the current alignment and eliminate two at grade crossings on Pacific Avenue and South Tacoma Way.
WSDOT has asked the Governor and the Washington State Legislature to move project funds from the 2009-2011 and 2011-2013 biennia forward so that WSDOT and Sound Transit could coordinate the design and construct the rail line at the same time and maximize the value of public funds. Further, accelerating this investment would separate freight and passenger around the Port of Tacoma sooner than currently planned, which will support both public and freight mobility in the region.
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