Written by Janet Matkin, WSDOT Communications

Published: 19 July 2019

New study finds numerous benefits to ultra-high-speed travel

OLYMPIA – Ultra-high-speed ground transportation could transform the Pacific Northwest by decreasing travel time, improving overall mobility and boosting economic growth, according to new study of the concept.

The Ultra-High-Speed Ground Transportation Business Case Analysis examined travel times of less than two-hour trips between Vancouver, British Columbia and Portland, Oregon, and one-hour trips between Seattle and each city. The study, which expands on a 2017-2018 preliminary examination, was delivered to the Washington State Legislature on July 12.

The ultra-high-speed system is projected to travel at speeds exceeding 200 mph, via high-speed rail, magnetic levitation, or hyperloop technology. The all-electric system would be stand-alone, rather than sharing or relying on existing infrastructure. It would include some elevated tracks and tunnels, with no at-grade crossings with roads.

The study outlines benefits, potential areas for stations, costs and funding and governance issues. It found that ultra-high-speed ground transportation could:

• Create a new transportation spine in the region, transforming mobility for all residents.
• Draw new companies to the region and create an estimated $355 billion in economic growth.
• Be built within the 2017 estimate of $24 billion to $42 billion in up-front construction costs.
• Provide between 1.7 million to 3.1 million one-way annual trips at start-up, in what analysts called a conservative estimate.
• Generate between $160 million and $250 million in initial annual revenue.
• Improve the environment with a projected reduction of 6 million metric tons (tonnes) of carbon emissions in the first 40 years as travelers opt for the ultra-high-speed option rather than private vehicles or planes.

Support for this international project is strong.

 “The prospect of uniting Washington, Oregon and British Columbia with an ultra-high-speed transportation system that propels us into the future is incredibly exciting,” Washington Gov. Jay Inslee said. “Imagine fast, frequent and reliable travel with the potential for zero emissions and the opportunity to better compete in a global economy. It could transform the Pacific Northwest.”

“Improving connectivity in the Pacific Northwest region through ultra high-speed rail presents enormous potential for job and economic growth on both sides of the border,” said British Columbia Premier John Horgan. “This study confirms the numerous benefits for British Columbians and gives us a clearer vision of what can be achieved when we all work together.”

The exact route and type of ultra-high-speed transportation has not been determined and would require more analysis. All trips are expected to include a stop in greater Vancouver, British Columbia, the Seattle metro area and Portland, Oregon. Some trips also may include additional stops in other cities, including: Surrey, British Columbia, and Bellingham, Everett, Bellevue/Redmond, Tukwila, Tacoma, Olympia and Kelso/Longview in Washington.

“Bringing high-speed rail to the Pacific Northwest will deepen and accelerate the growth of our economies, all while contributing to our efforts to combat climate change,” said Oregon Gov. Kate Brown. “I appreciate our partners’ leadership, commitment, and coordination in taking on a project of this scale.”

The business case study was overseen by the Washington State Department of Transportation, in partnership with the Oregon Department of Transportation, the Province of British Columbia and Microsoft, which all shared in the costs. Both studies grew out of ongoing Cascadia Innovation Corridor planning efforts, a cross-border coalition bringing together business, academic and government leaders to build a global hub of innovation and commerce in the Pacific Northwest.

“High-speed rail will shrink travel times throughout the Cascadia Innovation Corridor, providing a strong transportation core for our region,” said Microsoft President Brad Smith. “These findings highlight the transformative impact of this service, and we’re encouraged to see cross-community support for the next phase of this international project.”

An advisory committee, representing public, private and nonprofit sectors from Washington, Oregon and British Columbia, provided input during the year-long technical analysis. The study was completed by consultant WSP along with Steer Davies Gleave, EnviroIssues, Paladin Partners and Transportation Solutions.

Written by Jackie Bayne, Office of Equal Opportunity, WSDOT

Published: 25 June 2019

WSDOT to host meetings on DBE goal setting in Spokane, Seattle and Yakima, June 24-27

OLYMPIA – Contractors, trade and labor organizations, small and disadvantaged businesses and others who might be interested in working with the Washington State Department of Transportation are invited to comment on the agency’s proposed Disadvantaged Business Enterprise goal for contracts funded by the Federal Highway Administration.

Transportation projects that receive federal funds include a DBE goal that represents a percentage of the contract value in which minority- and women-owned businesses should participate, given their availability in the market place. WSDOT proposes continuing its current 19 percent overall DBE participation goal on Federal Highway Administration funded projects for federal fiscal years 2019 through 2021.

WSDOT will consider all written comments received and submit a final document to FHWA on Aug. 1. The goal will be effective through Sept. 30, 2021.

The purpose of the DBE program is to create a level playing field for firms owned and operated by disadvantaged individuals wanting to participate in federally assisted highway, transit and aviation programs.

Connecting with communities
WSDOT is hosting a series of informational meetings for those who would like to learn about WSDOT’s overall DBE goal:

Spokane
2 – 4 p.m. Monday, June 24
WSDOT Eastern Region Headquarters
2714 N. Mayfair Street, Spokane 

Seattle
2 – 4 p.m. Tuesday, June 25
WSDOT Northwest Region Headquarters
15700 Dayton Ave. N, Shoreline

Yakima
2 – 4 p.m. Thursday, June 27
WSDOT South Central Region Headquarters
2809 Rudkin Road, Union Gap

To provide comment
Written comments on the proposed overall DBE goals must be submitted by mail or email to:

Jackie Bayne, Policy Manager
Washington State Department of Transportation
Office of Equal Opportunity
P.O. Box 47314
Olympia, WA 98504-7314
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

WSDOT will consider all written comments received through Friday, July 19, 2019.

Documents detailing the methodology used for determining the FHWA DBE goal is available for review at all WSDOT region headquarters offices and at the Transportation Building, 310 Maple Park Ave. SE, Olympia. They are also available online at www.wsdot.wa.gov/equalopportunity/.

Written by Jef Lucero, WSDOT communications

Published: 07 June 2019

OMAK – The Apple Line – an intercity bus line connecting Omak and Ellensburg – is having a party for its 10th anniversary, and the public is invited. The big difference between this and other anniversary parties: the Apple Line will be the one giving away the presents.

Launched just over 10 years ago as the second route of the Washington State Department of Transportation’s Travel Washington intercity bus system, the Apple Line has connected approximately 62,000 riders between Omak and Ellensburg since its first day of service. To celebrate its 10-year anniversary, WSDOT, Greyhound, Northwest Trailways and other community partners will host a reception and luncheon at 11 a.m. Wednesday, June 12, at the Civic League Park Bandshell in Omak.

The first 100 attendees will receive a coupon for a $10 one-way or round-trip fare, a savings of about $10 to $30 on a future Apple Line ride. Lunch will also be provided on a limited basis courtesy of Northwest Trailways, the transportation provider that operates the Apple Line, and other prizes and giveaways will be available to attendees.

“The Travel Washington program provides vital links between smaller, rural communities and urban parts of our state,” said WSDOT Public Transportation Division Director Brian Lagerberg. “I’m thrilled that the Apple Line helps connect people in the Omak area with the rest of our great state.”

“We’re honored to help support WSDOT’s commitment to connecting the citizens of Washington along the Apple Line over the past 10 years,” said Greyhound Regional Manager Ed van Heel. “The Apple Line is a shining example of a community investment in transportation, and we are excited to continue our support for years to come.”

Apple Line 10-year anniversary celebration

When:                   11 a.m. Wednesday, June 12.

Where:                 Civic League Park Bandshell, 20 S. Ash St., Omak.

Schedule:             11 – 11:45 a.m.     Presentations from local officials and agency executives. 

Noon                     Luncheon (provided on a limited basis).

Logistics:              This will be an outdoor event, rain or shine. Please plan ahead and dress for the elements.

WSDOT’s Travel Washington intercity bus system connects rural communities in Washington with regional transportation hubs and urban centers. These buses make scheduled connections with other transportation services to make traveling accessible, reliable and convenient. The program fills gaps in the statewide transit system by bringing connections to rural communities and other parts of the state.

Written by WSDOT Communications

Published: 07 June 2019

The March 31, 2019, edition of WSDOT’s quarterly performance report (Gray Notebook 73) continues to follow the agency’s progress with its strategic plan by focusing on inclusion, practical solutions and workforce development. Gray Notebook 73:

• Demonstrates how the agency uses social media and its smartphone applications to engage communities throughout Washington
• Analyzes how WSDOT is using a data-driven approach in efforts to reduce the potential for bicyclist and pedestrian traffic crashes, and
• Illustrates how the agency works with partners to create career pathways through the Sustainability in Prisons Project and to remove barriers for individuals participating in WSDOT’s Wetlands Ecology and Monitoring Techniques Internship.

The edition is available online at https://wsdot.wa.gov/publications/fulltext/graynotebook/gray-notebook-Mar19.pdf and while performance measures are reported throughout the Gray Notebook, highlights from this issue include:

• About 22% of those who died in traffic collisions during 2018 in Washington were pedestrians and bicyclists
• The number of WSDOT’s Facebook page followers increased 24.6% from 79,343 in April 2018 to 98,878 in March 2019
• WSDOT responded to 17,010 incidents during the quarter, providing about $26.6 million in economic benefit
• WSF completed 38,348 (99.2%) of its 38,641 regularly scheduled trips in the third quarter of FY2019
• Amtrak Cascades revenue increased by 5.7%, from $29.6 million in 2017 to $31.3 million in 2018
• WSDOT added nine new wetland and stream mitigation sites on 17 acres in 2018, bringing the total to 300 sites on 1,623 acres
• WSDOT's Commercial Vehicle Information Systems and Networks helped the trucking industry avoid 168,000 travel hours and $20.1 million in operating costs in 2018
• The annual average price of gasoline in Washington state rose by 10% from 2017 to 2018, going from $2.92 per gallon to $3.21 per gallon
• WSDOT completed one Connecting Washington project in the seventh quarter of the 2017-2019 biennium

The Gray Notebook and the Gray Notebook Lite (a summary of selected performance topics covered in this quarter’s publication), can be viewed and printed from the WSDOT accountability website (www.wsdot.wa.gov/accountability).

Written by Paul Wolf, State Airports Manager

Published: 31 May 2019

$9.4 million in grant funding awarded

OLYMPIA – Work to rejuvenate state airports is getting a much-needed lift, thanks to a recent supplemental appropriation provided to the Federal Aviation Administration.

Three Washington airports will receive a share of $9.4 million from the Airport Improvement Program, which helps fund projects that strengthen aviation infrastructure.

Davenport Municipal Airport outside of Spokane, will use $3.5 million for rehabilitation work and to extend the runway. $4.8 million will go to Jefferson County International Airport to improve the runway. Arlington Municipal Airport will see $1.1 million for taxiway rehabilitation with work already underway.

“The timing of this is perfect and fits well into our planned improvements,” said Dave Ryan, Arlington Municipal Airport Manager. “This will also allow us to move forward with the taxiway lighting project at the same time.”

This is the second round of funding from the U.S. Transportation budget – the first round in September 2018 provided Pullman-Moscow Regional Airport $7 million to assist with an ongoing runway construction project.

AIP grants are under the additional supplementary funding authorized by congress for airport infrastructure. Since this addition to the FAA program is 100% funded, it may allow for additional federal discretionary funds and state funding from WSDOT Aviation to go toward other airport infrastructure projects. Airport sponsors should watch for additional supplemental funds as congress makes them available in the future.

Written by Barbara LaBoe, WSDOT communications

Published: 19 May 2019

Use WSDOT tools, allow extra time for holiday weekend traffic

OLYMPIA – With summer-like weather already here, travelers hitting the road this Memorial Day weekend should prepare for additional traffic – especially during peak travel times.

By following these steps, travelers can plan ahead for wherever they’re headed during the three-day weekend:

• Check the Washington State Department of Transportation's best times to travel charts to help plan your trip and avoid congestion.
• Get informed about WSDOT's online tools, including the WSDOT mobile app, traffic cameras and email alerts.
• Visit online traveler information for traffic, weather and ferry schedules.
• Follow WSDOT's social media accounts, such as Twitter and Facebook.
• Pre-program your vehicle radio to 530 AM and 1610 AM for highway advisory radio alerts.
• Call 5-1-1 for updated road conditions.
• Allow extra time for travel to avoid rushing or distraction.

Most state highway construction work is suspended through the holiday weekend – including Monday, May 27 – to ease congestion. However, please stay alert for new lane shifts or work zone staging areas that may remain in place.

Snoqualmie Pass

No lane closures or other construction is planned on Interstate 90 from Friday, May 24, until to Tuesday, May 28. However, the usual holiday increase in traffic volumes means travelers should expect delays, especially eastbound on Friday, May 24, and westbound Monday, May 27. Receive text message alerts about significant delays by texting the number 468311 with the words "WSDOT Snoqualmie."

Chinook and Cayuse passes

Both Chinook Pass, State Route 410, and Cayuse Pass, SR 123, are expected to be open in time for the Memorial Day weekend, but exact dates and other details are still being finalized. Check the Chinook and Cayuse passes webpage for updates as the holiday approaches. Both these passes close each winter due to weather and hazardous conditions.

Tolling

In the Puget Sound, weekend toll rates will be in effect on Monday, May 27, on the State Route 520 bridge. The Interstate 405 express toll lanes will be free and open to all drivers on the Monday holiday. Out-of-town travelers, including those using rental cars, can learn about toll roads and short term account options on the Good to Go! visitors page.

Travelers making a trip by ferry, train, personal aircraft or bus also should plan ahead to avoid holiday delays:

• Anticipate heavy ferry traffic for the holiday and plan accordingly. Peak travel times on most routes are expected to be westbound Thursday and Friday, May 23-24, and eastbound, Monday, May 27. Check the Washington State Ferries website, www.wsdot.wa.gov/ferries/, or call toll-free 888-808-7977 for details, including reservations on some routes. Customers also can bypass vehicle lines by traveling as a walk-on passenger.
• Amtrak Cascades passengers are encouraged to purchase tickets early and should plan to arrive at the station one hour before departure. All Amtrak Cascades trains require reservations. Visit www.amtrakcascades.com/ or call 800–USA–RAIL for details.
• For information about traveling via state-operated airports, visit www.wsdot.wa.gov/aviation/airports/Amenities.htm or call 800-552-0666.
• Check with local public transit agencies for any holiday schedule or service changes, including some Dial-A-Ride and fixed-route service that may not run on holidays

Written by Christina Crea, WSDOT Aviation Communications

Published: 19 May 2019

West tie down apron expansion starts May 28, requires no runway closures 

WINTHROP – Pilots will have access to an updated tie down area after Methow Valley State Airport gets its long-awaited apron layout expansion. Work starts May 28 with plans for new spaces to open after approximately 30 days.

Visiting pilots will not encounter any delays or runway closures while using the airport during the construction. However, pilots should still regularly check Notices to Airmen.

This update will also expand this airport’s apron into compliance with Federal Aviation Administration’s (FAA) design standards. This expansion adds three additional parking positions designed for the critical design aircraft. There will be 54.49 foot spacing between tie down points and seven more parking positions for smaller aircraft with 34 foot spacing between tie down points. Some of the new tie downs will better accommodate aircraft with wingspans in the typical range of 30 – 38 feet.

The spacing of tie down points for smaller aircraft was one of the highlighted issues after the completion of last year’s $5 million pavement rehabilitation project at the airport. This project was originally intended to be included as part of last year’s pavement rehabilitation work, but due to availability and timing of federal funding, the apron expansion was be re-bid in Fall 2018 for construction this Spring/Summer 2019.

The contract was awarded to Wenatchee general contractor, Selland Construction, in the amount of $1.26 million.

Construction costs are split between the FAA Airport Improvement Program and Washington State Department of Transportation Aviation. The FAA is supporting 90 percent and WSDOT Aviation is supporting 10 percent of the total cost. 

Drainage system improvements with this project include a new underdrain system along the perimeter of the expanded aircraft apron. The new underdrain system will flow into existing drainage structures, infiltration ponds, or adjacent infield areas.

The project was designed by Denver based engineering firm Jviation, who will also provide construction management services during the project

Methow Valley State Airport in Winthrop is the largest of 16 WSDOT-managed airports, serving commercial aircraft that weigh up to 30,000 pounds. The airport also supports Washington’s smoke jump base, medical evacuation flights, wildland firefighting staging and more.

Written by Reema Griffith, WSTC executive director

Published: 08 May 2019

OLYMPIA – Transportation challenges and priorities for residents, businesses and visitors to Okanogan County and the Colville Reservation will be the focus of a two-day visit by the Washington State Transportation Commission to Okanogan County next week. Officials from Okanogan County and its cities, the Colville Tribe, transit providers and other community leaders will participate as part of the commission’s statewide public outreach effort.

During its two-day tour, the commission also will meet with local leaders in Twisp on Tuesday, May 14, and in Omak on Wednesday, May 15, to learn more about local needs and efforts to improve transportation and safety. The meeting in Twisp will start at 11 a.m. Tuesday at Building 9, TwispWorks, 502 S. Glover. The meeting in Omak will take place from 8:30 to 11:10 a.m. Wednesday at Omak City Hall, 2 North Ash St. The meetings are open to the public and persons wishing to speak to the commission may do so during the public comment period scheduled at the close of each meeting.

The meetings feature a series of short presentations on successes and challenges, future plans and needs for transportation in the Okanogan region. Topics include city streets, county and tribal roads, state highways, rail and air transportation, and public transportation. Commissioners will learn about the connections between economic development, tourism, and transportation in the Methow Valley, and cross-border traffic with Canada on US 97. Several presenters, including representatives of Okanogan County will talk about how recent wildfires, floods and landslides have exposed vulnerabilities in the state and local road system, and the decision to identify a primitive road network for disaster response and evacuation.

On May 14, the commission will tour bridges on State Route 153, sites on SR 20 near Loup Loup pass where landslides have recently occurred, a proposed wildlife crossing on US 97, and see causes of flooding problems on the main street in Tonasket.

On May 15, following the meeting in Omak, commissioners will meet with leaders of the Colville Tribe and tour the road system on the reservation.

The Washington State Transportation Commission holds several meetings throughout the state each year to gain insight from local government, industry and citizens about transportation issues that affect their communities and region.  This information helps the commission to develop and implement transportation policies and recommendations that reflect the priorities of the people and local governments of the State of Washington. In meetings later this year, the commission will visit Bremerton, Federal Way, and Skamania County.

For more information about the commission and a complete meeting agenda, visit: www.wstc.wa.gov/

Written by Jeff Adamson, WSDOT Communications

Published: 19 April 2019

The crew that headed up to the SR 20 North Cascades Highway on March 20.

Another mountain route for drivers, bicyclists to crisscross Cascades

DIABLO – With the swing of the gates, the seasonal stretch of North Cascades Highway/State Route 20 opened at 9 a.m. today for the 2019 season.

The reopening provides:
• Another route between western and eastern Washington for drivers.
• Access to more miles of US Bike Route 10.
• Access to mind-blowing hiking and gorgeous campgrounds.

The clearing process
The four-week clearing process began on March 25. This week, Washington State Department of Transportation maintenance crews and avalanche technicians completed preparations by causing controlled snow slides to clear chutes above the road, repaired and replaced guardrail and pavement and cleared ditches of debris to channel water from melting snow.

Remember: winter conditions remain
While the road is open, there are still signs of winter along the highway. Those planning hiking, camping or snow activities should prepare for limited parking until snow melts and should not stop or park in the travel lanes.

For safety, people driving and bicycling should obey highway signs and avoid stopping below snow slide areas such as Liberty Bell Mountain east of Washington Pass. There are limited facilities between Diablo and Mazama, so travelers should come prepared with a stocked emergency kit for the trip. Motorcyclists and bicyclists should also expect sand on the road until temperatures warm.

Highway history
The North Cascades Highway officially opened in September 1972. The 37-mile scenic by-way travels through Whatcom, Chelan and Okanogan counties, connecting communities in western Washington’s Skagit River Valley with the Methow Valley in eastern Washington.

Before driving the highway, check real-time traffic conditions. Find closure updates on the:
• Whatcom County construction page
• WSDOT traffic app
• WSDOT Traffic Twitter feed