Subject: Rail Monthly Highlights
Date: Thu, 21 Feb 2013 21:34:23 -0600
To: guyperea@live.com
From: wsdot@service.govdelivery.com
This information is now online. Visit the WSDOT Rail website.
January 2013 - In this issue:
- Port Access Rail Improvements on track in Vancouver
- WSDOT leads joint effort to explore contributing causes, solutions to rail corridor mudslides
- State Rail Plan public workshops summary report now online
- Cascades Corridor work plan moving forward
- January Performance close to 70 percent; updated schedules available soon
- Customer Compliment
Port Access Rail Improvements on track in Vancouver
Construction is ongoing near the Port of Vancouver to construct an elevated structure that will provide new freight access and reduce delays for Amtrak Cascades trains. Dry weather and favorable Columbia River water levels allowed the contractor to install steel piles near the water. The Vancouver rail yard serves as a major hub for both freight and passenger trains. It is one of the busiest rail yards in the Pacific Northwest. More than 100 trains pass through the Vancouver rail yard each day.
WSDOT leads joint effort to explore contributing causes, solutions to rail-corridor mudslides
WSDOT and BSNF announced a joint effort focusing on understanding the root causes and potential solutions to mudslides this winter between Seattle and Everett. WSDOT and BNSF Railway, along with Sound Transit and Amtrak formed a working group to take a broader look at the issue and preserve this section of rail between Seattle and Everett. The group is reviewing recent slope studies, historical slide data and updated analyses, with a goal of drawing conclusions about underlying conditions or combinations of factors contributing to the slides. Local jurisdictions adjacent to the rail line are providing a local perspective and information about permitting processes and local ordinances. Construction is scheduled to begin this summer on the first phase of WSDOT's $16.1 million federally funded project to help reduce the potential for mudslides. WSDOT and BNSF are working to accomplish as much work as possible this year, to reduce service disruptions from mudslides next winter.
State Rail Plan public workshops summary report now online
WSDOT invited the public to participate in three workshops during Fall 2012. Over 150 participants shared their views about rail in public workshops held in Spokane and Seattle in October and November to help develop the next version of Washington's State Rail Plan. Participants included members of the public and representatives from industry, advocacy groups and public agencies who expressed interest in preserving and strengthening freight and passenger rail, funding sources and rail connectivity. Safety and maintenance and preservation issues were emphasized, and economic impacts discussed. Review the Workshop report.
Cascades Corridor Work plan moving forward
In Salem, Oregon, Washington Transportation Secretary Paula Hammond and Oregon Department of Transportation Director Matt Garrett, signed the Cascades Corridor Workplan while WSDOT, ODOT and Amtrak staff look on. More info at http://www.oregon.gov/ODOT/COMM/Pages/nr13013101.aspx
Standing l-r: John Sibold of WSDOT, Rob Eaton of Amtrak, Hal Gard of ODOT, and Peter Gariepy of Amtrak
January Performance close to 70 percent; updated schedules available soon
In January 2013 Amtrak Cascades trains had an average on-time performance of 68 percent, based on preliminary data provided by Amtrak. Causes of delays included freight train interference and slower trains speeds through areas undergoing track maintenance. WSDOT is currently working with the BNSF Railway and Amtrak to develop modified schedules for Amtrak Cascades trains that will impacted by the upcoming Recovery Act-funded track construction projects that will begin in spring 2013. The modified train schedules will be available to the travelling public once the construction project schedules are finalized. Check updated schedules at www.AmtrakCascades.com
Customer Compliment
From the Amtrak Cascades Facebook page: It is my favorite thing in the world to ride from Portland to Seattle with my kiddos. - Nancy B
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