Crews working to restore rail service

By Associated Press

Summary

Gus Melonas of Burlington Northern Santa Fe says debris is being removed from the tracks between Everett and Canada and between Seattle and Portland as floodwaters recede. No decision has been made on when to resume Amtrak passenger service.

Story Published: Jan 9, 2009 at 9:22 AM PDT

Story Updated: Jan 9, 2009 at 11:41 AM PDT

Crews working to restore rail service

The damage at Stampede Pass is seen in this WSDOT photo.

SEATTLE (AP) - A railroad spokesman says north-south train service in Western Washington may be restored by late Friday.

Gus Melonas of Burlington Northern Santa Fe says debris is being removed from the tracks between Everett and Canada and between Seattle and Portland, Ore., as floodwaters recede. He says resurfacing may be needed in some areas.

No decision has been made on when to resume Amtrak passenger service.

The tracks between Seattle and Portland normally carry 60 freight and passenger trains, while about 15 use the line north of Everett.

East-west rail lines through the Columbia River gorge and Stevens Pass have remained open, but a 100-foot stretch of a secondary line through Stampede Pass was washed out. That line usually carries five trains a day. There's no indication when they'll be reopened.

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