February 2013 – Month in review
In this issue:
Amtrak Cascades on-time performance was 75.2 percent in February
In February 2013, Amtrak Cascades trains had an average on-time performance of 75.2 percent, based on preliminary data provided by Amtrak. Causes of delays included freight train interference and slower trains speeds through areas undergoing track maintenance.
Ron Pate named WSDOT Rail Division Acting Director, Cascades Rail Corridor Director
In addition to leading the WSDOT Rail Division, Pate’s responsibilities include managing the Cascades Rail Corridor. Most recently, Pate led the
Rail Division as the Cascades Corridor High-Speed Rail Delivery Manager and Rail Operations Manager. Previously, Pate worked as a Project Manager for the Tacoma Narrows Bridge Project and other positions within WSDOT. Pate has also held a number of positions in the private sector. Pate will continue national leadership roles with the States for Passenger Rail Coalition and Passenger Rail Improvement and Investment Act committees. Pate replaced John Sibold, who retired March 1.
Amtrak Cascades one step closer to faster, more frequent service
Passengers can now look forward to shorter trip times and more reliable schedules between Seattle and Portland following federal approval of WSDOT’s proposal to reroute the passenger train service to a less congested route. After reviewing WSDOT’s Environmental Assessment and comments from local municipalities and the public, the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) determined the $89 million Point Defiance Bypass project would not result in significant adverse impacts to the environment. With this approval, WSDOT’s project team will advance design work to reroute passenger trains from the BNSF Railway main line near Point Defiance to an existing, and less congested, rail line that travels through south Tacoma, Lakewood and DuPont.
Work resumes on Corridor Reliability project between Nisqually and Vancouver
BNSF crews will resume work on WSDOT’s Corridor Reliability project that is another incremental program step that upgrades track quality, durability and enables Amtrak Cascades to run at top speeds more often and lays the foundation for long term future goals. The $91 million, federally-funded project began last fall. Work in 2013 includes replacing 34 turnouts or sections of track that allow trains to change tracks. Another phase of work replacing rail ties and ballast will begin in 2014. The project is scheduled to be complete by fall 2016.
WSDOT gains more feedback on its State Rail Plan
WSDOT met with rail stakeholders during February to address issues raised during WSDOT’s public outreach and technical analysis highlighting the top needs and opportunities to be addressed in the State Rail Plan. In a meeting with the State Rail Plan Advisory Committee, the committee provided feedback which is used to help shape the strategy for future public investment in rail transportation in Washington state. The committee will help ensure that the information provided to decision makers is accurate; help WSDOT, and others in the rail community understand needs and goals for our rail system; and be part of the discussion about how to balance competing needs with limited funds, while prioritizing public investments in the rail transportation system.
Customer Compliment
From our Amtrak Cascades Facebook page: “Enjoyable ride back to the Seattle area; will definitely do it again!” - Theresa Z.
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