March 2013
- Crews are nearing completion on laying new rail for two additional tracks through the Everett rail yard.
- Work will complete in time to start using the tracks early in 2013.
- This project is funded through the 2009 American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA).
- Download the project fact sheet (526 KB)
Why is WSDOT
making rail upgrades at the Delta Yard in Everett?
Congestion on the rail line is a major challenge for WSDOT and Amtrak in achieving reliable Amtrak Cascades passenger rail service.
Train switching activities at Delta Yard frequently cause delays to Amtrak Cascades service. New storage tracks long enough to accommodate 7,000-foot-long freight trains will reduce congestion on the main line by minimizing the time trains arriving and departing the yard block the main line.
This will improve on-time performance for passenger rail.
The End Result
Amtrak Cascades will be able to move past the yard with less interference from freight operations.
Improvements include the construction of two new departure/receiving tracks parallel to the existing Delta Yard tracks in Everett. Major components of the work include track, ties and ballast.
Project Benefits
- Eliminates a major source of freight/passenger conflict by constructing two new departure/receiving tracks next to the existing Delta Yard tracks;
- Reduces congestion, adds rail capacity and eliminates a substantial rail yard bottleneck
- The new storage area for freight trains will create room for Amtrak Cascades to add more daily trains and will shorten travel times through the congested rail corridor.
What is the project timeline?
Construction is scheduled to begin in November 2012 and be complete in January 2013.
Financial Information
Washington State was awarded nearly $800 million for rail corridor improvements between Vancouver, WA and the Canadian border. This project is funded through the following source:
- Federal High Speed Intercity Passenger Rail grant – $3.5 million
How can I get more information?
Contact:
Melanie Coon, Communications Manager
State Rail and Marine Office
Olympia, WA
360-705-7900
coonm@wsdot.wa.gov
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