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Ultra-high speed rail study

Planning study news

The Cascadia High-Speed Rail study is now coordinating with WSDOT’s I-5 Master Planning Study to address the future transportation needs of western Washington communities. The integrated Cascadia High-Speed Rail and I-5 Program allows us to look holistically at highway, rail, and other travel options.

During the 2022 legislative session, the Washington State Legislature allocated $4 million for additional analysis and development of an expanded framework for future high-speed rail, and $150 million to be used as matching funds to leverage federal funding opportunities over the next six years.

The project was awarded a $500,000 grant from the Federal Railroad Administration in December 2023.The Corridor Identification and Development (CID) grant award unlocks $50 million in allocated state matching funds for Cascadia HSR this biennium. Moving through the CID program will provide access to federal funding without having to re-apply and access to an additional $100 million in identified state match funds in future biennia.

Timeline
2016-2028
Status
In progress
Budget
$5,945,000

Purpose

WSDOT is studying how high-speed ground rail might serve as a catalyst to transform the Pacific Northwest. A stronger, better connected economic megaregion — stretching from greater Vancouver, British Columbia to metro Seattle, Washington to Portland, Oregon — has the potential to thrive in the global marketplace. A key component of that vision is a fast, frequent, reliable and environmentally responsible transportation system that unites this Cascadia megaregion, and positions it for global competitiveness and future prosperity.

This study is supported with funding from Washington’s Climate Commitment Act. The CCA supports Washington’s climate action efforts by putting cap-and-invest dollars to work reducing climate pollution, creating jobs, and improving public health. Information about the CCA is available at www.climate.wa.gov.

2023 UHSGT status report

This report to the Legislature provides an overview on activities that occurred between July 1, 2022 and June 30, 2023. It is not a planning report subject to public comment.

View the 2023 UHSGT status report (PDF 775KB) submitted to the Washington State Legislature in June 2023.

Planning study report

Map of corridor that might be connected with UHSGT.