The Environmental Assessment is a major milestone for the Point Defiance Bypass, an $89 million project that would reroute passenger trains from the BNSF Railway main line near Point Defiance to an existing rail line that travels through south Tacoma, Lakewood and DuPont.
The formal comment period is now closed. WSDOT and FRA are currently evaluating the comments received. FRA’s decision is expected in early 2013, WSDOT’s decision will follow. If approved, the project would move into the preliminary engineering and permitting phase. Construction would likely begin in spring 2015 and conclude by spring 2017.
Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Information
Accommodation requests for people with disabilities can be made by contacting the WSDOT Diversity/ADA Compliance team at wsdotada@wsdot.wa.gov or by calling toll free, 855-362-4ADA (4232). Persons who are deaf or hard of hearing may make a request by calling the Washington State Relay at 711.
Title VI Statement to Public
WSDOT ensures full compliance with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 by prohibiting discrimination against any person on the basis of race, color, national origin or sex in the provision of benefits and services resulting from its federally assisted programs and activities. For questions regarding WSDOT's Title VI Program, you may contact the Department's Title VI coordinator at 360-705-7098 or 509-324-6018.
The Environmental Assessment can be quickly downloaded by section (below) or people can download the complete Point Defiance Bypass Environmental Assessment (pdf 55 mb). Please allow a few minutes for the entire document to load.
Point Defiance Bypass Environmental Assessment
Executive Summary (pdf 67 kb)
Introduction and Project Area Description (pdf 118 kb)
Project Purpose and Need (pdf 32 kb)
Description of Alternatives (pdf 222 kb)
- No Build Alternative
- Build Alternative
- Construct New Track Adjacent to the Existing Main Line
- Reconstruct and Rehabilitate the Existing Main Line
- Improvements at Grade Crossings
- Tacoma Amtrak Station Relocation
- Operational Changes
- Laws, Regulations, and Permits
Affected Environment and Environmental Consequences (pdf 1.9 mb)
- Air Quality
- Noise and Vibration
- Transportation
- Geology and Soils
- Water Resources
- Wetlands
- Fish, Vegetation, and Wildlife
- Hazardous Materials
- Visual Quality
- Cultural Resources
- Socioeconomics and Environmental Justice
- Land Use
- Public Services, Utilities, and Safety
- Energy
- Indirect and Cumulative Effects
- Indirect Effects
- Cumulative Effects
Coordination and Consultation (pdf 50 kb)
- Public Involvement
- Agency Coordination
List of Preparers (pdf 34 kb)
Abbreviations and Acronyms (pdf 32 kb)
References (pdf 53 kb)
List of Appendices