More Friday morning rail news:
Amtrak test trains to run on Point Defiance Bypass Jan. 16-17
Amtrak will begin running test trains on Jan. 16-17 in preparation for the start of service on Washington state’s Point Defiance Bypass, idle for more than three years after a fatal derailment of the first Amtrak train to use the route. The Tacoma News Tribune reports test trains will run between the Freighthouse Square station in Tacoma and Nisqually Junction, where the bypass joins the current route used by Amtrak and BNSF trains, between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. on those dates, with trains operating at up to 79 mph. No date for the resumption of service on the 14-mile route has been announced. The first Amtrak Cascades train to use the route on Dec 18, 2017, derailed when it failed to slow for a curve in DuPont, Wash. Three passengers were killed and more than 70 were injured; the National Transportation Safety Board found widespread fault for the accident [see “National Transportation Safety Board says multiple state and federal agencies failed …,” Trains News Wire, May 21, 2019].
Sound Transit reports major increase in costs of rail projects
Citing real estate and construction market conditions, the deputy CEO of Seattle’s Sound Transit told the agency’s executive board on Thursday that several projects are facing cost increases that total as much as $6.2 billion, which would represent a 50% increase. The Kent Reporter says the report from deputy CEO Kimberly Farley estimates costs for a new light rail maintenance facility in that city or Federal Way, Wash., have increased by 54% to 77% in a year, depending on the site that is ultimately chosen. The cost of building in Kent, at a former landfill, has risen from $1.3 billion to $2.4 billion because of requirements to build on a Superfund site and to address ground settlement. The latest figure would be a 273% increase from the estimate when voters approved the projects in 2016. Other rail projects facing increases, according to the memo, are the West Seattle and Ballard Link light rail extensions, which face projected increases of $2.13 billion in property costs and $1.27 billion in construction costs, and the Tacoma Down light rail extension, facing an increase of about 10% to $3.3 billion.
Primus sworn in as fourth member of STB
Robert Primus was sworn in Thursday as the fourth member of the Surface Transportation Board, which will soon reach its full roster of five members after a lengthy period with three or fewer members. House Majority Whip James E. Clyburn (D-S.C.) presided over the ceremony. Primus, a native of Madison, N.J., has served in various congressional staff positions for the last 29 years, most recently as chief of staff to Rep. Tony Cardenas (D-Calif), working on policy issues including freight and passenger transportation. He joins sitting board members Ann Begeman, Patrick Fuchs, and Martin Oberman. Primus’ appointment was confirmed by the Senate on Nov. 18, along with that of Michelle Schultz, who has yet to be sworn in.
