Project Title & Location
Vancouver Rail Project Incl. 39th Bridge Street – Vancouver, WA

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.

Contractor/Consultant
BNSF Railway, Fort Worth, Texas

Recent Progress
This project will construct main line tracks to allow eastbound and northbound freight trains to by-pass the rail yard in Vancouver.  A rail siding for stopping freight trains clear of the north-south main line and a new vehicle overpass would also be constructed.  This will free up capacity on the north-south main line, improving on-time performance of the Amtrak Cascades trains.

The design of the West 39th Street Bridge has been 30 percent completed and the estimate and schedule have been revised.  The bridge construction advertisement date has been rescheduled from November 2007 to March 2008, and the current cost estimates for the bridge are approximately $7 million higher than anticipated.  WSDOT remains in discussions with the city of Vancouver on a number of potential cost savings measures, including narrowing the roadway and bridge and modifications to utility and retaining wall designs, to try to bring the project costs back in line with the budget.

BNSF completed their operations modeling work for the rail portion of the project, and restarted engineering in November 2006.  It remains possible to begin construction of some portions of the track and signal work in late 2007, and relocation of some rail facilities in advance of the West 39th Street Bridge construction.

Design Construction Impacts
Project engineering began in January 2003, but was suspended in June 2003 for lack of funding.  Design was restarted in March 2004, after a 9-month delay.  The WSDOT Rail Office, Southwest Region, city of Vancouver, and BNSF Railway will coordinate the bridge, roadway, and rail work included in the project.

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.

Impacts to Traffic
There may be some brief work windows that may affect 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 the city of Vancouver Traffic Staff.

Planned vs. Actual Expenditures
(Total Project Cost)

Nickel funds included in above costs

2005 Transportation Partnership Account