November 2009
Tacoma Rail, WSDOT, and the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) have agreed on project’s scope of work. WSDOT and Tacoma Rail are working together to determine the project's work breakdown structures, schedule, and deliverables. Tacoma Rail has gone to bid on the project for the engineering portion. Construction was expected to begin in spring 2009 but has been delayed pending FRA agreement to the change in scope and acceptance of the environmental permiting. Emergency repairs to the Puyallup River bridge started in December 2008.
Originally part of the Milwaukee Road System, the rail line ran as a private logging railroad until the early 1990s when Tacoma Rail was purchased by the City of Tacoma. Between one and two freight trains operate daily over the line, and local trains provide pickup and delivery services. Freight traffic is mostly large aluminum billets, lumber, cedar fencing, agri-mulch for trans-load, sand and gravel, steel pipe, flour, farm equipment, and heavy equipment.
Why is WSDOT
improving the tracks on this section of rail line
The rehabilitation work will enable the rail line to transport more goods safely and efficiently. Making the Puyallup River Bridge 286K-compliant will extend the useful life of the structure and improve safety.
The End Result
The rail line serves many freight customers. The result of the project will allow for continued customer base expansion on the line and economic expansion for the three counties the rail line serves will provide.
Project Benefits
This project will:
- Examine and repair bridges
- Rehabilitate selected at-grade crossings
- Perform tie replace work between MP0.00 and MP34.20.
What is the project timeline?
The work on this project is scheduled to be completed by October 31, 2009.
Financial Information
This project is funded through the following source:
- Federal Railroad Administration - $1.5 million
- Total Funding From All Sources - $1.5 million
How can I get more information?
Contact:
Andrew Wood, PMP
Deputy Rail and Marine Director
WSDOT State Rail and Marine Office
PO Box 47407
Olympia, WA 98504-7407
Phone: 360.705.7938
E-mail: Andrew Wood
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