Showing posts with label train. Show all posts
Showing posts with label train. Show all posts

WSDOT: Response to questions about curves on rail lines

Friday, December 22, 2017

From the Washington State Department of Transportation

With the recent derailment of an Amtrak Cascades train, we wanted to talk a bit about the Point Defiance Bypass and our agency’s work to develop it for Amtrak Cascades passenger train service. Our thoughts remain with the passengers and families involved in the tragic Monday, Dec. 18, derailment and we want to answer questions that have arisen about the tracks where the train derailed.

Long-range planning to develop these tracks for expanded passenger rail service began more than a decade ago and was initially conceptual – looking at all possible options. The long-range plan referenced in recent media stories states it was developed “without financial constraints” and goes on to explain “as a result, the plan’s ‘building blocks’ with the operational benefits are intended to be implemented incrementally.”

As a transportation agency, we must always balance providing service goals with funding and schedule constraints. Our goal with our recent improvement project was to provide better reliability and six Seattle to Portland roundtrips. The work done on the Point Defiance Bypass – and the rest of the tracks from Blaine to Vancouver, Washington – achieved those goals, allowing us to continue to travel at the same maximum speed as before – 79 mph – but improving the reliability of our service and giving travelers two additional options for daily roundtrip service.

The track configuration as it exists today meets all Federal Railroad Administration requirements.

The bypass tracks have a reduced speed limit before the curve where the derailment took place to inform engineers to decrease their speed to negotiate the curve. The maximum speed limit decreases from 79 mph to 30, with signs posted two miles before the speed zone and just before the speed zone approaching the curve. Amtrak is responsible for ensuring all engineers on this specific set of tracks are qualified. It is common for railroads to have areas of reduced speeds due to curves or other factors, as found along the entire Cascades route.

Trains successfully ran the bypass track numerous times in the past few months during track testing, locomotive testing and engineer qualification on the tracks, and the ceremonial train ride with passengers on Dec. 15 during the new station dedication.

The investigation by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) will determine the cause of the derailment and we cannot speculate as to what caused it while the NTSB conducts its important work. We’ll continue to share updates and any information we can while the NTSB investigation continues.




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WSDOT update on train derailment

Tuesday, December 19, 2017

Photo courtesy WSP
From the Washington State Department of Transportation 8:50pm Tuesday

Operations to remove the remaining rail cars on and adjacent to the southbound lanes of Interstate 5 will continue through the night.

Crews made substantial progress Tuesday in clearing the site. Most of the derailed train cars have been loaded onto semis to be hauled away and securely stored.

Bridge engineers also inspected the rail bridge and deemed it structurally sound, with only minor repairs needed for safely reopening the interstate.

Remaining work includes relocating the cranes to position them to remove the train’s locomotive, which remains on the southbound I-5 lanes.

Crews also need to remove a hazard tree. It is highly likely southbound I-5 will remain closed through Wednesday morning’s commute and travelers should plan accordingly.

Reopening I-5
WSDOT maintenance crews have pre-staged supplies, equipment and staff, and plan to begin repairs on guardrail and damaged portions of the highway as soon as they are cleared to do so.

Southbound I-5 detour
The primary detour is SR 16 to SR 3 – which is what commercial vehicles should use. We are seeing significant congestion on SR 507 and SR 7, and do not recommend travelers take SR 302.

Before heading out the door, drivers should check the latest traffic conditions by using WSDOT’s trip planning tools:

Calling 5-1-1
Following @wsdot_tacoma and @wspd1pio on Twitter
Checking WSDOT flow maps and traveler alerts on wsdot.wa.gov




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Statement on Amtrak Cascades derailment from WSDOT

Monday, December 18, 2017

Photo from Trooper Brooke Bova, WSP
From the Washington State Department of Transportation

Today’s (Monday, Dec. 18) tragic derailment of the Amtrak Cascades southbound train has significantly impacted the lives of many this morning.

Our thoughts and prayers go out to the victims of this event and their families.

We are working closely with multiple partners, including Washington State Patrol, Sound Transit, Amtrak, Pierce County, JBLM and local emergency responders to assess the situation and render assistance.

After emergency response is complete, and the National Transportation Safety Board has released the scene, the train will be removed from the interstate right of way.

We anticipate this will be a lengthy process due to the severity of the incident and the size and weight of the train cars. WSDOT is working with other agencies on any rerouting of traffic during the investigation.

The Amtrak Cascades train service is jointly owned by the Washington State Department of Transportation and the Oregon Department of Transportation. Amtrak operates the service for the two states as a contractor, and is responsible for day-to-day operations. Amtrak Cascades runs trains from Vancouver, British Columbia, to Eugene, Oregon.

The tracks, known as the Point Defiance Bypass, are owned by Sound Transit. The tracks were previously owned by BNSF and were used for occasional freight and military transport.

WSDOT received federal grants to improve the tracks for passenger rail service. As owners of the corridor, Sound Transit managed the track upgrade work under an agreement with WSDOT. Funding for the upgrades was provided by the Federal Railroad Administration, which reviewed work throughout the duration of the contract.

Today was the first day of public use of the tracks, after weeks of inspection and testing.



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They just want to keep you alive - stay off the tracks

Saturday, July 15, 2017

Saltwater Park
Photo by Steven H. Robinson
Trespassing on railroad tracks is a common and extremely dangerous practice, especially during summer in beach areas adjacent to train tracks.

According to the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA), 994 pedestrian rail trespass casualties (fatalities + injuries) occurred in 2016. About every 3 hours a person or vehicle is struck by a train in the U.S.

Since 2012 there have been 82 fatalities on railroad tracks in Washington State with another 21 in that time frame that were ruled a suicide, for a total of 103.

Trespassing on train tracks is also a crime classified as Criminal Trespass 2nd Degree, which is a misdemeanor in Washington State and is punishable with up to 90 days in jail and up to a $1,000 fine.

A campaign kicked off this weekend to make people aware of the risks of walking on or crossing railroad tracks.

The campaign is a partnership between police with BNSF Railway, Amtrak and Sound Transit (King County Sheriff’s Office).

On Saturday, July 15, officers patrolled from 3 – 7pm near tracks from Golden Gardens to Richmond Beach looking for trespassers.

People found on the tracks received a warning. This is the first of four total outreach days this summer that will happen on beaches from Tacoma to Everett.



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Work starts on landslide solutions for Pacific Northwest Rail Corridor

Monday, August 19, 2013



WSDOT received $16.1 million in federal funds for needs along tracks between Everett and Seattle

Work is underway to help stabilize slopes and stop landslides along the Pacific Northwest’s only north-south passenger rail corridor.

Construction on a $16.1 million federally funded project began in early August. The project, which helps stabilize slopes above the rail line near Everett, represents the first step to help eliminate landslides and keep passenger rail service moving.

During long periods of heavy rain, rail line owner BNSF Railway temporarily suspends passenger rail service to ensure safety when a landslide occurs or a high-level threat of landslide exists. Alternate transportation is provided when rail service is suspended by landslides.

Between November 2012 and early January 2013, landslides cancelled a record number of daily trips. The Washington State Department of Transportation is working with government and private rail partners to review recent slope studies and historical slide data, with a goal of determining all factors contributing to landslides.

These projects are part of the $800 million federally funded high-speed-rail grants, awarded for 20 projects that will deliver more reliable, faster, more frequent Amtrak Cascades rail service. The grants are part of the 2009 American Recovery and Reinvestment Act high-speed-rail program administered by the Federal Railroad Administration.

In addition to the stabilization project near Everett, WSDOT starts construction on six additional federally funded rail projects in 2013. Earlier this year, WSDOT completed three projects, including the renovation of King Street Station.

To view schedules and book a trip, visit Amtrak Cascades or call 1-800-USA-RAIL.


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Coal train hearing draws over 2,000 people

Friday, December 14, 2012

Our News Partner, The Seattle Times, reports that 2300 people packed the hearing on the topic of coal trains running through Northwest ports. The route would include the tracks on the waterfront in west Shoreline.

The City of Edmonds has expressed concerns about delays to the ferry runs because of the number of coal trains expected to run. Shoreline has a handful of homes west of the tracks, and the beach area of Saltwater Park; but no businesses or public transport.



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Destinations: Buy tickets now for Holiday Snow Train to Leavenworth

Wednesday, October 3, 2012

Snow train to Levenworth

Tickets on Sale Now for the only Holiday Snow Train to Leavenworth’s Tree Lighting Festival!

A trip to the North Pole isn't in the cards this Christmas. But who needs negative temps and tons of travel, when you can join Alki Tours on the only daylight train to the legendary Christmas town of Leavenworth to see the annual Lighting Festival. The fun begins as you board the train departing from King Street Station, Edmonds Station, or in Everett.  Passenger’s car are decorated to the hilt and furnished with cozy seats to make your journey fabulous. Along the way enjoy a catered continental breakfast. The changing scenery outside will compete for your attention on board the train as oompah-pah bands, jazz bands, carolers, shifty sailors, magicians and Santa strolls through the aisles. Near the 4000 foot summit, the train transits the Cascade Tunnel—the second longest in North America and enters into a winter wonderland with ski slopes and ice-choked rivers. At approximately 12:30pm, the train rolls to a stop in Leavenworth.

Upon arrival in Leavenworth, the fun continues in the streets of this Bavarian mountain town that’s dressed to look and feel, as The New York Times wrote, “a bit like the interior of a snow globe.” We’ll take in the season and roam around this “perfect place to spark the holiday spirit,” where horse-drawn carriages glide down the roads, carolers stroll, and vendors sell delicious holiday fare.  Later, we’ll gather for the highlight of the day: In one truly magical moment, the entire town will become illuminated in a synchronized display that rivals the Rockefeller Center Christmas tree lighting (and a whole lot more charming).  After re-board the train where dinner, more entertainment and our fabulous staff awaits to make your Christmas wishes come true.

This trip sells out every year, so don’t delay! For reservations and information:  contact Alki Tours at 206-935-6848. The price is $169 adult and $159 for children for standard seating. Price includes:  round-trip train transportation, continental breakfast, catered dinner and loads of entertainment.


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Coal trains in Shoreline?

Tuesday, February 7, 2012

Coal train along Edmonds Waterfront.
Photo by Paul Anderson


Edmonds resident Bob Rinehart sent this photo of what appears to be a coal train in Edmonds, on tracks that pass through Richmond Beach, Saltwater Park, Innis Arden, and The Highlands.

Anyone have any information?  Post a comment or let us know.

.

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View from the Saltwater Park Bridge

Wednesday, May 5, 2010


Photo by Diane Hettrick

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