WSDOT, FRA complete Kelso Martin’s Bluff Rail Project environmental study

Written by Jenifer Nunez, assistant editor

The Washington State Department of Transportation and the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) recently completed the environmental study of the Kelso Martin's Bluff Rail Project in Washington state, which would provide more frequent and reliable service for Amtrak Cascades passengers between Seattle and Portland.

 

Engineers and scientists recently completed a study of a proposed bypass that will upgrade existing track and add a third main track between Kelso and the Longview Junction. The bypass will separate freight and passenger rail traffic, allowing trains to move around each other and improve the reliability and on-time performance of Amtrak Cascades trains.

The public is invited to comment on the study at a meeting September 18. The FRA will consider the comments prior to issuing a decision, which is expected early 2015. Construction is expected to begin in summer of 2015 with the rail improvements in place by fall of 2017.

The environmental assessment can be viewed here.

 

 

 

Tags: