Rail - Columbia Basin Railroad Wheeler-Warden 286k Upgrades

Quarterly Project Report Update for Quarter Ending March 2007

Project Title & Location
Columbia Basin Railroad Wheeler-Warden 286k Upgrade

Project Description
Upgrade 1.8 miles of Columbia Basin RR`s light-weight track between Wheeler and Warden. Full request is $531,967

Contractor/Consultant
Columbia Basin Railroad, Warden, WA

Recent Progress
The BNSF Railway Co. owns the rights of way and operating rights of the line operated by the Columbia Basin Railroad Co.  The Columbia Basin Railroad expected to complete a purchase of the rights of way and operating rights from the BNSF Railway Co. in January 2006.  The closing was initially delayed until September 2006, and has been further delayed until January 2007.  The project is dependent on completion of the purchase.  Given the delays, and the possibility of further delays, WSDOT has asked the legislature to re-appropriate the funds for this project.

Design Construction Impacts
This project upgrades 1.8 miles of light-weight track between Wheeler and Warden.

Environmental Impacts / Compliance
None.

Impacts to Traffic
There may be some disruptions to freight rail operations.

Project Milestones Scheduled Attained Milestone Outlook
Contract completed Mar 2006   Delayed pending right-of-way acquisition.
Begin construction Jun 2007 Construction to begin after title transfers.
Project completion Jun 2007 Possible to be completed on time, but not certain. The purchase of materials may be completed by June 30, 2007.  Construction, which will be performed by the railroad, cannot be completed by that date.  Dependent upon ownership change.
Project Cost Summary: Dollars in
millions 		Percent
of Total

Planned vs. Actual Expenditures
(Total Project Cost)
Project Expenditure Chart

Preliminary Engineering
Right-of-Way
Construction $0.4 100%
Funded Project Costs $0.4 100%

Nickel funds included in above costs

 $0

2005 Transportation Partnership Account

  For more information, go to www.wsdot.wa.gov/projects

Andrew Wood, Deputy Rail & Marine Director at 360-705-7938, E-mail WoodA@wsdot.wa.gov