Project Title & Location
Vancouver Rail Project Incl. 39th Bridge – 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, and is a step toward the addition of a fifth Seattle-Portland round trip.

Based on a recommendation from WSDOT, the Legislature increased the overall funding to $109,950.000 as part of the 2006 Supplemental budget. Pre-construction Engineering is continuing on the bridge and rail components.

Because of the delay of the “Everett - Delta Jct. Curve Realignments and Delta Yard Storage Tracks” project in the current 2005-2007 biennium, the department has proposed to advance $4.935 million in 2003 “Nickel” Package funds and another $2 million in dedicated federal funds for this project from the 2007-2009 biennium.  This will allow completion of Pre-construction Engineering and continue Right-of-Way purchases in the current biennium.  Right-of-way would be completed in fall 2007 with construction starting in late 2007.  These actions require approval by the Office of Financial Management.

With only $1,050,000 currently budgeted in 2005-2007, Preconstruction Engineering will not be completed in the current biennium, and Right-of-Way purchases and Construction will be delayed, without advancing the funds.  These potential delays would delay the beginning of construction and the projects completion by up to 12 months.

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