Subject: WSDOT Rail Office November Highlights
Date: Mon, 3 Dec 2012 15:37:56 -0800
To: guyperea@live.com
From: wsdot@service.govdelivery.com
In this issue:
- Book a holiday travel getaway on Amtrak Cascades
- Crews start work on reducing rail congestion through Everett
- Normal Amtrak Cascades schedules resume after construction wraps up between Vancouver and Kalama
- State Rail Plan workshops conclude with another lively round
- November on-time performance
- Customer Compliment
Grab your friends and family members and jump on Amtrak Cascades for all your holiday shopping. Get out of town. Enjoy your favorite beverage along the way and pick up unique and thoughtful gifts. When you are tired from all that shopping, you can nibble on a bite from the bistro and smile all the way home while imagining the delighted looks on the faces of your loved ones when they open their great gifts. Remember to ride the train for all your holiday travel needs. Book early for best availability and lowest fares!
Normal Amtrak Cascades schedules resume after construction wraps up between Vancouver and Kalama
Amtrak Cascades train schedules were slightly adjusted during the month of November to accommodate anticipated slowdowns through rail construction work zones just north of Vancouver. Crews were replacing worn track as part of a $92 million, multi-phase rail improvement project that will improve track quality, durability and passenger ride between Nisqually and the Columbia River. Train schedules were unchanged for riders south of Portland and north of Seattle. Visit AmtrakCascades.com for schedule details or call 1-800-USA-RAIL.
Rail crews start work adding tracks to reduce rail congestion through Everett
Freight trains switching tracks at BNSF's rail yard in Everett frequently cause delays to Amtrak Cascades passenger trains passing through. BNSF crews started work in November to add two new tracks long enough to hold a 7,000 foot freight train so passenger trains can avoid getting stopped by freight trains blocking the tracks. The $3.5 million Everett Storage Track project is expected to wrap up by the end of this year.
Track laying machine installing new track in the Everett Yard Track crane sets the rail for the second new track
Seismic strengthening work continues at King Street Station
Crews continue to install structural steel into the frame of King Street Station and have now started work framing the clock tower. All the new steel columns in the main hall are in place. The project is more than half way complete and on track for completing on time in 2013. More than 1,000 tons of steel will be installed throughout King Street Station for this project.
Plaster work in the station's main hall Steel bracing on the upper floor above the main hall
State Rail Plan workshops conclude with another lively round
A third State Rail Plan workshop was scheduled in Seattle when demand exceeded space at the second workshop. Another 60 participants from a wide-variety of venues shared their views on the next version of Washington's State Rail Plan. WSDOT thanks the City of Seattle for the use of its venue at Seattle City Hall where participants provided input on plan goals, vision and objectives, and engaged in small group discussions. Participants expressed interest in preserving and strengthening freight and passenger rail, funding sources, rail connectivity, and economic factors. Safety and maintenance issues were also among the many topics discussed. WSDOT will continue plan development with the State Rail Plan advisory committee. WSDOT will host a public open house in 2013 for people to review and comment on the draft plan. To add your perspective, please send your comments to rail@wsdot.wa.gov or email us to request a briefing and small group discussion for your agency or business.
Workshop participants provide ideas and feedback to WSDOT's project team
Performance Measures
Although mudslides impacted train traffic beginning Nov. 19, Amtrak Cascades on-time performance increased in November 2012 averaging approximately 87 percent, over the October average of 78 percent.
Customer Compliment
"While mechanical snafus delayed the trip, I have to say the crews handled the situation with aplomb. They deserve a pat on the back for being helpful, concerned, informative and funny the whole time. Especially Tim at the Edmonds station, and the conductors (whose names I did not catch) are top notch, and I didn't mind the delay. A bad day on a train still beats a good day driving or flying, and I'm glad I took Amtrak. And thanks for taking good care of my bike." Joseph S.
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