May 2012
The project team is finalizing plans with BNSF to begin engineering work. This work includes:
- soils investigation and testing
- topographic surveys
- track schematics
- investigation for the presence of asbestos and lead
Print out the project fact sheet (1.4 M pdf)
Why is WSDOT
extending siding track near the south end of the Port of Kalama?
More shipments coming in and out of the Port of Kalama have created a major rail line chokepoint through the Port, slowing down freight and passenger rail traffic.
This project extends approximately one mile of siding track near the south end of the Port of Kalama and constructs a new roadway bridge over the railroad tracks at Toteff Road.
Extending the siding track, along with other improvements, allows freight trains to move on and off the main line tracks at higher speeds - resulting in fewer delays to Amtrak Cascades passenger trains.
The End Result
The rail improvements in this area will reduce rail line congestion and improve movement of goods traveling to and from Washington ports.
A new roadway bridge over the tracks at Toteff road will eliminate delays for cars and trucks crossing the railroad tracks. This new siding track adds capacity, reducing conflicts between passenger and freight trains and improves reliability for both.
These improvements improve service reliability and will allow Amtrak Cascades to run two additional roundtrips between Seattle and Portland.
Project Benefits
- Dispatcher-controlled freight train arrival and departure, allowing Amtrak Cascades to move through the area quicker
- Grade separation greatly increases safety by eliminating train-surface traffic interaction;
- Allows passenger and freight trains to move around trains traveling into and out of the Port of Kalama;
- Improves passenger train reliability and accommodates increases in passenger train frequency.
What is the project timeline?
WSDOT hopes to begin preliminary engineering and environmental work in winter of 2012.
Financial Information
This project is funded through the following sources:
- American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) - $36.5 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
E-mail: coonm@wsdot.wa.gov
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