Project Facts
- Passenger trains must slow down to use the curved tracks along southern Puget Sound and the single-track tunnels near Point Defiance.
- This project will
reroute passenger trains to an inland bypass route.
- Most freight trains will continue to use the existing tracks near Point Defiance and along southern Puget Sound.
October 2008
The 100 percent design is nearly complete and is now combined with Sound Transit's designs between Lakewood and M Street in Tacoma. Construction is scheduled to begin in early winter 2008 and for completion in summer 2012. Work will start between "M" Street in Tacoma and the new Sounder station in Lakewood.
The most recent estimate indicates the project is likely under funded by as much as $14.9 million. WSDOT and Sound Transit are reviewing the estimate for potential savings.
For further information, please see the
Pt. Defiance Bypass Project folio.
Overview
The proposed route of this WSDOT project is the same route that Sound Transit will use to extend Sounder commuter rail service to Lakewood.
The two agencies are working cooperatively to develop this route for passenger service.
Why is WSDOT
building tracks for passenger trains to bypass the Point Defiance area in Tacoma?
Passenger trains, including Amtrak Cascades, currently must slow down due to curves and single-track tunnels on the BNSF Railway main line tracks near Point Defiance and along southern Puget Sound.
This project reroutes passenger trains to an inland route. The bypass is on an existing rail line that runs along the west side of Interstate 5 (I-5), from south Tacoma through Lakewood and DuPont. It reconnects back to the BNSF Railway main line near Nisqually, on the east side of I-5.
Freight train traffic patterns will not change with most freight trains continuing to use the existing main line near Point Defiance and along southern Puget Sound. The few freight trains that currently use the bypass route will continue to use it during and after the project.
The End Result
The end result is faster, more frequent, and more reliable Amtrak Cascades service.
The improvements will allow passenger trains to use the bypass route without being delayed by freight or Sounder trains. This will reduce Amtrak Cascades travel times by six minutes between Seattle and Portland. It will also add at least two additional round trips between Seattle and Portland, once this and three other projects are completed.
Project Benefits
- Improved Amtrak Cascades reliability
- Faster, more frequent Amtrak Cascades service
What is the project timeline?
The environmental and design process began in July 2006, and is nearly completed. Construction is scheduled to begin in Fall 2008 and with completion in summer 2012.
Public Involvement
WSDOT have attended and presented to neighborhood community meetings in South Tacoma and Tillicum. On June 26, 2008, WSDOT and Sound Transit hosted an informational open house at the Lakewood Fire Station. For copies of the handouts distributed at the open house, contact the WSDOT State Rail and Marine Office.
Your thoughts and opinions are important to us. If you and/or your community group would like more information on this project, please contact the WSDOT State Rail and Marine Office.
Environmental Protection
The Washington State Department of Transportation issued a SEPA Determination of Nonsignificance on August 1, 2008 for the Point Defiance Bypass Project. The SEPA documentation includes the adoption of the NEPA Documented Categorical Exclusion approved by the Federal Highway Administration on May 5, 2008. The SEPA documents are available below.
Pt Defiance Bypass FHWA-approved NEPA DCE
Pt Defiance Bypass SEPA Adoption of NEPA DCE
Pt Defiance Bypass SEPA DNS
Pt Defiance Bypass SEPA Supplemental Information for Adoption
In addition to the SEPA process, WSDOT continues to consult with local tribes, the cities of Tacoma, DuPont and Lakewood, Pierce County, Camp Murray, and Fort Lewis Army Base.
For more information, the Point Defiance Bypass Environmental Summary is available for review.
Please visit the
WSDOT Environmental
Services Web site for more information.
Increasing safety is one of our priorities
Ten road/rail (at-grade) crossings in the project area have been evaluated for safety-related improvements. All will receive improved warning signals and median curbs to deter driving around gates. Seven crossings will have fixed horns at the crossing to improve safety and reduce noise impacts. Seven crossings will get adjusted lane widths, locations, or wider turn radius. Four crossings will have new traffic signals added to keep traffic from backing up onto the tracks.
Will this project impact tribal resources?
WSDOT is consulting with the Nisqually Tribe, Puyallup Tribe, Snoqualmie Nation, and Squaxin Island Tribe on this project.
Financial Information
This project is funded through the following sources:
- 2005 Partnership Funding (Weight Fees) - $49.312 million
- 2003 Legislative Transportation Package (New & Used Vehicle Sales Tax) - $7.072 million
- Pre-existing funds (Federal Grade Crossing) - $3.2 million
- Total Funding From All Sources - $59.584 million (This does not include work by Sound Transit on this route.)
How can I get more information?
Contact:
Kevin Jeffers, P.E.
Project Manager
State Rail and Marine Office
PO Box 47407
Olympia, WA 98504-7407
Phone: 360-705-7982
E-mail: Kevin Jeffers
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