Seattle - Everett Sounder Construction Update

[BNSFEng]

Recently, a new schedule (still under development, so this is not in stone and just for rough estimate and to stimulate discussion) was released concerning the Sounder construction schedule between Seattle and Everett. Basicly, it stretches out the time line by two years from 2010 to 2012 and mostly, only two projects at a time will be under construction.

The first is next month with grading work for both the MP 9 (Blue Ridge) crossover and between MP 7 and MP 8 double tracking. This should be done by the end of 2007 with Blue Ridge on line prior to the double tracking of MP 7-8.

The Mukilteo station single North platform should be built by mid 2007. With the mainline relocation and new crossovers built by the middle of 2008. The South platform should be built by the 3rd quarter of 2009. Due to restraints on use of the Sound only between July 15 and Feb 15th in 2009 and 2010, the double tracking between MP 27 and MP 28 won't be completed till the end of 2011.

The work in Edmonds will also be restrained by use of the Sound in 2010 and 2011 meaning that the double tracking between MP 16 and MP 18 won't be complete until the end of 2012.

Double tracking of the main through Interbay will take until the end of 2009. Crossovers at MP 23.8 - Mid 2011, Howarth Park - Mid 2011, Richmond Beach - Mid 2012 and Edmonds - Mid 2012.

All dates are subject to change. The start up of the 3rd and 4th Sounder from Everett may not be adversely affected by the delay in construction. Hopefully, BNSF will allow the trains to run earlier.

[Trackside]

Thanks for the update BNSFEng. I am especially interested in the Mukilteo, and Edmonds area.

When you say, "restrained by use of the Sound," are you referring to the tides, or dampness of the soil, or the actual noise levels of construction? I'd think that the RR would simply lay track down main 2 where it was before it was removed.

[markgillings]

That's some good information. I hadn't heard much in the way of dates that far away, but the stuff in the near future match what I've been told. The contract for grading between MP 7 and 8 was awarded after Labor Day. We also have a brand new Brandt Roadrailer to aid in material removal. It was acquired for the division, but they won't have money for it until 2007. In the meantime, we'll use it on the Commuter Construction project. No qualified operators as of yet, so I don't know when it will be put into use.

[BNSFEng]

Restrained due to migration of fingerling salmon. Those dates are after the baby salmon have moved past that area each year. They tend to hug the coast line of Puget Sound.

[Trackside]

Ok, so this is strictly an environmental precaution. BNSF is not going to build on the Puget Sound side of the current seawall correct?

From what I understand each section of single track between Seattle and Everett was at one point double track, and was only made single because of a mudslide. So I am ass-u-ming BNSF is going to lay track where is once was. Anyone know if this is the case, or are they extending out into the Sound?

[MP 6.7]

I would guess that it would be easier for them to get permitted to build on the hill side. Living where I live (well, during the summer at least ), it takes a couple years, environmental studies, and special restrictions if you are going to legally build a house over the water, let alone cover up 10 feet of shoreline for a couple miles like BNSF would have to do in order to build on the water side.

[BNSFEng]

According to my 1999 two inch thick Everett to Seattle Commuter Rail Final EIS on page 3-140 "the 2:1 side slope would impact 4.3 acres of intertidal habitat". This is for the MP 27 - MP 28 area on the beach side of the tracks.

On page 3-137, the MP 16 to MP 17 section will be built on the "east side of the existing tracks using a vertical wall" which "would permanetly impact approximately 0.90 acres of intertidal habitat". Without going into a whole bunch more detail, than I could stand, that is what is going to be done as far as I have heard.

[BNSFEng]

After six weeks, I finally have been between Everett and Seattle. I rode the Sounder in this morning and have the following observations:

At Mukilteo, the old Tank Farm tracks are all gone only the Main 2 switch is left. Lots of construction barriers for runoff for a good half mile on each side of the area. The westside road is closed but not yet torn up. Some heavy equipment is parked over in the former tank area probably for road removal.

At Blue Ridge, MP 9.06, three areas have begun to take shape into the hills for the retaining walls for the two signal masts and the signal bungalow. Also, a flat area for building the switches is taking shape.

At MP 7 - 8, lots of bushes and trees were removed to improve the sight distance. The new retaining wall needs the wall parts to go between all of the steel girders. Looks like the subgrade may be ready for the ties for the second main.

[Macster]

how are all of the projects going up here?

[BNSFEng]

Originally Posted by Macster

how are all of the projects going up here?

With the difficulty to get mainline time at MP 9 the Blue Ridge project is slower than desired. MP 7 - MP 8 is moving along as much as can be until Blue Ridge is cut over. Mukilteo is moving along with positive progress. I don't know the final resolution of the new Boeing Pier but, it seems unusable as it is.