|
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 bypass the rail yard in Vancouver. A rail siding for stopping freight trains clear of the north-south main line and a new vehicle overpass will also be constructed. This will free up capacity on the north-south main line and improve on-time performance of the Amtrak Cascades trains.
The design of the West 39th Street Bridge is 60 percent complete and the cost estimate remains unchanged from the last quarter. However, the advertising date for construction, scheduled for March 2008, will likely be delayed six to nine months due to difficulties in acquiring and certifying the Right-of-Way (ROW). If the ad date is delayed, the bridge's completion will be delayed a similar duration. WSDOT and BNSF are reviewing this delay to the bridge construction for its effect on the over project schedule.
As previously reported, the latest cost estimate for the rail work is higher than the previous estimate by about $11.8 million due to increases in the construction contingency, the amount of ROW required, and inflation that was not accounted for in the previous estimate. BNSF is beginning property acquisition for the rail improvements and WSDOT authorized BNSF to begin construction on the first phase of construction in October 2007. BNSF is analyzing the costs of the first phase and will be adjusting the overall cost estimate for the remaining rail work as appropriate.
|
|
Design Construction Impacts
Project engineering began in January 2003. 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.
|