Project Title & Location
Pt. Defiance Bypass-Phase 1, Pierce Co., WA

Project Description
Constructs and upgrades part of the mainline tracks along a 20-mile corridor for passenger service. Results in 6-minute reduction in Seattle-Portland schedule.

Contractor/Consultant
Sound Transit, Seattle, and Tacoma Rail, Tacoma

Recent Progress

WSDOT is continuing the design and environmental work to 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.

In July 2006, WSDOT requested to advance more funds for Pre-construction Engineering in the current biennium, making the total 2005-2007 biennium budget $5.64 million for this project.  In September 2006, the Office of Financial Management approve all but $900,000 of this department's request, making the 2005-2007 allocation for the project $4.74 million.  It does not appear that this will significantly affect the project schedule.

Design Construction Impacts
The construction impacts have not been determined.

Environmental Impacts / Compliance
The environmental impacts have not been determined.

Impacts to Traffic
Impacts to rail and roadway traffic have not been determined.

Planned vs. Actual Expenditures
(Total Project Cost)

Nickel funds included in above costs

2005 Transportation Partnership Account