Columbia Mountain Times™: WSDOT, Amtrak and BNSF plan additional train service to help after I-5 bridge collapse

Subject: WSDOT, Amtrak and BNSF plan additional train service to help after I-5 bridge collapse
Date: Fri, 24 May 2013 19:31:11 -0500
To: guyperea@live.com
From: wsdot@service.govdelivery.com

WSDOT, Amtrak and BNSF plan additional train service to help after I-5 bridge collapse

OLYMPIA – To assist travelers affected by yesterday's I-5 highway bridge collapse in Skagit County, Amtrak Cascades, Washington State's intercity passenger rail service, is adding one round trip route between Seattle and Bellingham in the coming weeks.

Amtrak, the Washington State Department of Transportation, BNSF Railway and Sound Transit are working together to add this service, a morning departure from Seattle to Bellingham with an early evening return, to help those who normally drive this route. More details will be released as they become available.

Amtrak Cascades provides four trips each day over the Skagit River Rail Bridge, which is fully functional. Amtrak Cascades Thruway Buses add ten more trips through the area. For schedules, reservations and tickets, visit www.AmtrakCascades.com or call 800-USA-RAIL.

About Amtrak®:

Amtrak is America's Railroad®, the nation's intercity passenger rail service and its high-speed rail operator. A record 31.2 million passengers traveled on Amtrak in FY 2012 on more than 300 daily trains – at speeds up to 150 mph (241 kph) – that connect 46 states, the District of Columbia and three Canadian Provinces. Amtrak operates intercity trains in partnership with 15 states and contracts with 13 commuter rail agencies to provide a variety of services. Enjoy the journey® at Amtrak.com or call 800-USA-RAIL for schedules, fares and more information. Join us on facebook.com/Amtrak and follow us at twitter.com/Amtrak.

About WSDOT

WSDOT keeps people, businesses and the economy moving by operating and improving the state's transportation systems. To learn more about what we're doing, go to www.wsdot.wa.gov/News for pictures, videos, news and blogs. Real time traffic information is available at www.wsdot.wa.gov/traffic or by dialing 5-1-1.