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Project Title & Location
Swift Customs Facility Capacity Improvements, Blaine, WA
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Project Description
Constructs additional rail line capacity to accommodate customs and security needs, while reducing congestion and delays for freight and passenger trains on the main line.
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Contractor/Consultant
BNSF Railway, Fort Worth, Texas
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Recent Progress
This project, funded in the 2005 package at $3.0 million, will increase rail line capacity at the Swift Customs Facility and will ensure Amtrak Cascades schedule reliability. State funds will supplement a $3.0 million federal earmark. The legislature assumes an additional $3.0 million in private/local funds that have not been secured. The project is spread over the next two biennia (05-07 and 07-09).
WSDOT and BNSF have been negotiating a scope for the project since the fall of 2004, when the federal funds became available. At this point the conceptual estimates range from $9 million to $12 million. At this time there is not sufficient funding to complete the entire project. However an initial phase of the project could likely be completed that will give some benefit to rail and inspection operations. WSDOT is awaiting additional engineering information from BNSF before proceeding.
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Design Construction Impacts
The city of Blaine has expressed concern about the location of US Homeland Security’s rail car inspection machine and the blockage of traffic at SR 548. This machine is located at the northern end of the project area. The new inspection tracks will not alleviate this problem. Only relocation of the machine will change this situation. Neither BNSF nor US Homeland Security intends to move the machine at this time.
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Environmental Impacts / Compliance
New inspection tracks on the south side of the project area may require the filling of some wetlands. This will require permits necessary to comply with local, state, and federal regulations.
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Impacts to Traffic
The project may impact freight and passenger operations when construction commences. Amtrak Cascades passengers will be moved by motor coach during some work windows.
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