Join the discussion on the following article:
Cascades Service Point Defiance bypass gets environmental okay
A logical improvement in shorter trip time and adding capacity for more Amtrak Cascades trains. The trade off is in the loss of the beautiful waterfront ride into Tacoma. Another potential of the upgraded line is for a future extension of Sounder commuter service south to Ft. Lewis and Dupont; perhaps eventually to Lacey and Olympia. Thanks to WSDOT leadership, collaboration by Sound Transit and BNSF, and lots of federal dollars.
This is great news. This is a big piece of the “Northwest” corridor. Like Ronald said, it will be bypassing some terrific scenery. But we’ll be gaining capacity, time, and reliability. A good move!
Now the Cites along the new route need to stop fighting this with lies and misinformation like they’ve been doing.
I have worked with Amtrak in this region, this is a huge step for additional services to be added to the system. Next is Washington stepping up to the plate and expanding with new larger capacity train sets to meet the need. Cascades sold out many times when you go to book!
Two more trains and quicker transit make good economic sense, but the loss of the Sound, the Olympics, the Narrows Bridges, and the waterfront all the way into Tacoma is a most significant loss of the “Pacific Northwest Signature” the present line affords ! At least keep Trs 14 and 11 by the beauty ! Since my childhood, I’ve always looked forward to this gorgeous stretch of the line. /s/ Raised in Washington !!
Service to begin in 2017? Why so long?
Is this the line paralleling I-10 and bisecting Ft. Lewis?
It’s going to be cool watching and hearing the Coast Starlight power up the new 2.85% grade from Freighthouse Square to South Tacoma. An Amtrak engineer assures me their normal 2 units are enough power to make that grade without helpers, but it’s crucial that the sanders are working. See http://www.thenewstribune.com/2012/11/08/2360477/sound-transit-train-gets-stuck.html
A map would be nice for those of us who don’t live in the area.
Washington again sets the bar for rest of the country to follow,would Ft Lewis be a stop on this line, I agree the present route may be more pacific northwest, but travel time and less congestion are important also.
Love the Pacific Northwest
Robert Kelly Dalton, Ga
bakelly@optilink.us