WSDOT Projects

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Rail - Vancouver - Rail Bypass and W. 39th Street Bridge

Project in Contruction Phase
West 39th Street closure area
(click here to enlarge map)

 

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Project Status

July 2009

Contractor crews began construction on the West 39th Street Bridge on May 11 by conducting utility installation and embankment work.

The construction contract for the new W. 39th Street bridge was awarded April 13 to Cascade Bridge LLC of Vancouver, WA with a winning bid of $11,646,360.95.

The street-level crossing on W. 39th Street closed in September 2008 to facilitate track construction and in anticipation of beginning bridge construction in spring 2009. Local access will be available at all times. 

Rail design efforts are continuing. The Legislature has fully funded the entire project, with completion planned for 2013.

For a copy of the Vancouver Rail Project folio, click here.

Why is WSDOT pursuing improvements to the Vancouver rail yard?
The Vancouver rail yard serves as a major hub for both freight and passenger trains. It is one of the busiest rail yards in the Pacific Northwest. More than 100 trains pass through the Vancouver rail yard everyday.

This project will reduce freight and passenger congestion, increase safety, and help Amtrak’s on-time performance.

The End Result
New bypass tracks in the rail yard will allow passenger trains to bypass congestion caused by freight trains.

In addition, a vehicle/pedestrian/bicycle bridge over the railroad tracks at the West 39th Street crossing will be added to enhance safety.

The vehicle/pedestrian/bicycle bridge will also provide greater connectivity between neighborhoods east and west of Fruit Valley Road in the West 39th Street vicinity.

Project Benefits

  • Improve safety
  • Reduce rail congestion
  • Allow for more frequent, reliable Amtrak Cascades service
  • Enhance connectivity between neighborhoods in the project area

What is the project timeline?
The first stage of construction within the Vancouver rail yard began in January 2009 and will continue through spring 2013.

The West 39th Street bridge project construction contract was awarded April 13. Construction on the bridgebegan May 11 and is scheduled for completion in summer 2011.

Financial Information
This project is funded through the following sources:

  • 2003 Transportation Funds (New & Used Vehicle
    Sales Tax) - $35.2million
  • Existing Funds (pre-existing State, Federal, and other partnership funds) - $115.2 million
  • Total Funding From All Sources - $150.4 million

How can I get more information?
Contact:

Kevin Jeffers, P.E. – Rail Bypass Project
WSDOT State Rail and Marine Office
PO Box 47407
Olympia, WA 98504-7407
Phone: 360.705.7982
E-mail: Kevin Jeffers

Joanna Lowrey, P.E. – West 39th Street Bridge Project
WSDOT Columbia Gorge Area Office
P.O. Box 1709
Vancouver, WA 98668-1709
Phone: 360.759.1310, or toll-free at 1-866-279-0730
E-mail: WSDOT Columbia Gorge Area Office   

Jeff Schmidt, P.E.
City of Vancouver
Phone: 360.696.8290, ext. 8581
Email: Jeff Schmidt  

Communications
WSDOT Southwest Region
PO Box 1709
Vancouver, WA 98668-1709
Phone: 360-905-2058
E-mail: SWWebInfo@wsdot.wa.gov

WSDOT is hiring a contractor to construct the West 39th Street Bridge and roadway improvements.  BNSF will hire contractors only for earthwork and will use their own forces to construct the track and signal.

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