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Project Title & Location
Vancouver Rail Project Incl. 39th St. Bridge – Vancouver, WA
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Project Description
Constructs capacity improvement that includes a by-pass of freight yard and 39th Street grade separation. This project will improve schedule reliability and is part of the improvements for the 5th Amtrak Cascades round trip. Currently in preliminary engineering phase.
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Contractor/Consultant
Burlington Northern and Santa Fe (BNSF) Railway, Ft. Worth, TX
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Recent Progress
At the end of the last biennium, engineering had been suspended, pending funding. Further funding for engineering and some of the needed right-of-way was approved as part of the 2004 Supplemental Transportation Budget. Southwest Region Design staff began work on the 39th Street Bridge in March 2003. Railroad engineering began in May 2003. Both design efforts are continuing. The Southwest Region has completed negotiations for the purchase of two properties adjacent to W. 39th Street, which are necessary for the new bridge and approaches.
By January 2005, the project design will reach the point where WSDOT and BNSF can determine all the property required to be purchased for the project. $500,000 is currently available for property acquisition during the 2003-2005 biennium, however, this will only cover part of the required property. WSDOT has requested that $1 million in project funds be brought forward into the 2005-2007 biennium from the 2007-2009 biennium. This will allow the purchase of property and relocation of residents and businesses.
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Design Construction Impacts
Project engineering began in January 2003, but has not progressed since June 2003 for lack of funding. Design was re-started in March 2004, after a nine-month delay. The Rail Office, Southwest Region, and Burlington Northern and Santa Fe Railway will coordinate the bridge, roadway, and rail work included in the project.
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Environmental Impacts / Compliance
The Record of Decision (ROD) was signed in August 2003. Only local and state permits will be required, per the Final Environmental Impact Statement (FEIS). Impacts to nesting and feeding bald eagles will have to be addressed and/or avoided.
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Impacts to Traffic
There may be some brief work windows that may effect rail operations for both freight and passenger trains as new track is connected to the current track. Amtrak Cascades passengers may occasionally be moved by motor coach to allow for these work windows. Local roadway traffic will need to be rerouted during construction of the new bridge at W. 39th St. and associated roadways. This closure will be coordinated with City of Vancouver Traffic staff.
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