Why is WSDOT upgrading siding at Mt. Vernon?
The Mt. Vernon siding track was in poor condition and needed improvements so passenger trains could use it. In addition the current siding is not long enough for most freight trains. The project also needs the Hickox Road grade crossing closed to make full use of the extended siding. The End Result Southbound morning passenger trains can now leave earlier, and northbound evening passenger trains can arrive later, due to the first phase of construction. The second phase will allow longer freight trains to use the siding. Project Benefits • More reliable Amtrak Cascades service. • Increased passenger and freight rail safety. • Increased freight rail capacity. What is the project timeline? The first phase of construction began in March 2005 to upgrade the siding and is complete. Improvements associated with the closure of Hickox Road may be constructed in 2010. The siding extension work will not begin until late 2011 at current funding levels. The second phase, to extend the siding, is on
