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Project Title & Location
Vancouver Rail Project Incl. 39th Bridge Street – 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
BNSF Railway, Fort Worth, Texas
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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 30 percent complete and the estimate and schedule have been revised. WSDOT and the city of Vancouver have reached a compromise on a number of potential cost saving measures, including narrowing the roadway and bridge and modifications to utility and retaining wall designs, to bring the project costs closer to the budget. Even with these efforts, WSDOT has requested that $5 million be added to the project in 2009-2011 to account for inflation and other cost increases associated with the bridge work.
The rail design is also 30 percent complete. The current cost estimates appear to be on target, though moderate risk remains in the cost of property. BNSF is preparing to begin property purchases for the rail improvements and anticipates beginning construction in late 2007 and continuing through mid-2011.
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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.
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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 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.
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