Construction of Amtrak platform in Stanwood to begin soon

Published 9:05 pm Wednesday, March 11, 2009

STANWOOD — After a nearly four-year delay, construction on the downtown Amtrak passenger platform could start as soon as next week.

A few agreements between the city and the state Department of Transportation still need to be worked out. Issues such as passenger parking, water use and funding for a restroom are not resolved, said Rebecca Lind, Stanwood’s community development director.

Mayor Dianne White, a longtime supporter of the train passenger platform, expects the problems to be handled. She is quick to share her enthusiasm and announced at a recent Stanwood City Council meeting that city officials are very excited about the Amtrak stop.

When completed in late September, the passenger platform is set to allow Amtrak Cascades trains to stop in Stanwood four times a day: northbound about 9 a.m. and 8 p.m. and southbound about 9:25 a.m. and 8:25 p.m. Passengers can buy their tickets online or over the phone and board the train with their reservation information in hand.

The state Legislature provided $5 million in 2005 to build the platform. The delay in starting the project involved a number of issues, transportation department project manager Kirk Fredrickson said.

Problems included changes in the design of the platform and the extension of a siding track. The longer siding track will allow Amtrak trains to stop at the new passenger station without disrupting Burlington Northern Santa Fe freight service. The track extension requires the closure of the rail crossing at Logen Road, just north of the city.

“Resistance to the road closure is limited, so we believe the (state) Utilities and Transportation Commission will move forward with that,” Fredrickson said.

Amtrak and the state expect to award the project construction bid by Friday. Lots of interest from construction companies and competitive bidding should ultimately lower the cost of the platform, he said.

The 600-foot train passenger platform will include covered ramps, railings, shelters and seating, with lighting and landscaping that blends well with the character of downtown Stanwood, Fredrickson said.

If construction of the platform is completed underbudget, any money left over could go toward construction of small nearby restroom, he said.

Island Transit and Community Transit buses also could use the passenger station. In addition, constructing a rail stop in Stanwood now is the first step toward future intercity commuter rail service, Fredrickson said.

Gale Fiege: 425-339-3427, gfiege@heraldnet.com.