January 2013
- WSDOT, the Federal Railroad Administration and BNSF Railway are finalizing agreements and expect BNSF to start design work.
Why is WSDOT
working on Cascade Corridor railroad tracks?
Railroad tracks, just like roads, experience wear and tear and require periodic maintenance. This project addresses deficiencies along the corridor by improving track quality, reliability, and passenger ride comfort by upgrading track infrastructure with state of the art technology and equipment.
The End Result
The end result of this project is more reliable on-time performance for Amtrak Cascades intercity trains travelling between Everett and the Canadian border at Blaine.
Major components of the work include:
- cleaning ditches to improve drainage,
- grading and modifying areas where water is collecting,
- cleaning and replacing ballast,
- removing and replacing ties, and
- relaying and resurfacing rail.
Project Benefits
This project will make a series of repairs to the BNSF main line tracks between Everett and Blaine. These repairs will allow Amtrak Cascades trains to maintain maximum speeds over longer distances, resulting in better on-time performance.
What is the project timeline?
BNSF began engineering and design work with construction scheduled to begin in summer 2013 and be complete in spring 2016.
Financial Information
WSDOT received federal high speed rail funds from the 2009 Recovery and Reinvestment Act, administered by the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA).
Project Budget: $57.3 million
How can I get more information?
Contact:
Melanie Coon, Communications Manager
WSDOT Cascades High Speed Rail Program
PO Box 47407
Olympia, WA 98504-7407
Phone: 360-705-7905
Email: Melanie.coon@wsdot.wa.gov
back to top