Project Title & Location

Stanwood Siding, Snohomish County

Project Description
Currently, passenger and freight trains can be delayed up to 70 minutes due to the poor condition of siding at Stanwood. This project will upgrade the siding track to provide faster and more reliable passenger service.

Contractor/Consultant
BNSF Railway Co.

Recent Progress

BNSF Railway began Preliminary Engineering in May 2006.  The preliminary design report is anticipated to be completed in late December 2006.

Design Construction Impacts

The late delivery of the preliminary design report may delay the completion of engineering.  Current budget will likley not allow for the siding to be extended.

Environmental Impacts / Compliance
The first phase of the project, the upgrade of the existing track, requires only documentation for compliance with both the National and State Environmental Protection Acts.  The second phase of the project, the siding extension, may require a biological assessment for its effects on endangered species. 

Impacts to Traffic
There may be some brief work windows that may affect rail operation for both freight and passenger trains as old signals are replaced with new signals.  Amtrak Cascades passengers may experience short delays on trains traveling between Vancouver or Bellingham and Seattle.  The at-grade crossing may need to be closed due to the siding extension.

Planned vs. Actual Expenditures
(Total Project Cost)

Nickel funds included in above costs

2005 Transportation Partnership Account