Project Facts
- Upon arrival, train crews may have to manually activate up to 20 switches.
- Manually throwing track switches is the #1 cause of railroad related injuries.
- Automated switches will increase capacity for the Port of Tacoma by 20%.
July 2008
The requirements of Executive Order 05-05, Historical & Cultural Resources Review, have been completed. The project agreement between Tacoma Rail and WSDOT is in place. Engineering and design work is ongoing.
Why is WSDOT
installing an automated switching system at the Tacoma Rail Yard?
The Tacoma Rail Yard receives and departs many trains through its switching yard located in Tacoma.
Without an automated system, railroad operational procedures, personnel safety procedures, and federal regulations all require that Class I train crews stop the train, disembark, and activate each switch by hand. This is done to ensure the tracks are properly aligned prior to advancing the train. This antiquated process is very time consuming and may block the yard's arrival and departure tracks for extended periods of time.
The End Result
Installing an automated switching system will substantially increase yard capacity, through-put velocity, and safety.
Project Benefits
- Deliver products more efficiently.
- Prevent backups that block grade-crossings.
- Create a safer situation for employees.
What is the project timeline?
The installation of the automated switching system is scheduled for completion by April 1, 2009.
Public Involvement
Your thoughts and opinions are important to us. Please contact the WSDOT State Rail and Marine Office for more information.
Environmental Protection
As WSDOT works with partners to identify, plan, and design construction projects aimed at improving freight rail service, detailed environmental review is undertaken for each project. For major construction projects an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) is often necessary.
Please visit the WSDOT Environmental
Services Web site for more information.
Increasing safety is one of our priorities
Work on the porject will be done in conformance to American Railway Engineering Maintenance-of-Way Association standards. Utilizing an automated switching system will aid in preventing injuries associated with manual switching procedures.
Will this project impact tribal resources?
No project-related tribal resource impacts have been identified thus far. WSDOT will address the concerns of tribal nations using the process outlined in Section 106 of The National Preservation Act and the WSDOT Tribal Consultation Policy adopted in 2003 by the Transportation Commission as part of the WSDOT Centennial Accord Plan.
Financial Information
This project is funded through the following sources:
- Port District and City of Tacoma - $350,000
- Pre-Existing State Funds - $500,000
- Total Funding from all Sources - $850,000
How can I get more information?
Contact:
Ron Pate
Project Manager
State Rail and Marine Office
PO Box 47407
Olympia, WA 98504-7407
Phone: 360.705.7950
E-mail: Ron Pate
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