Pioneer Street Rail Overpass

This project is currently (02/2011) at 90% design phase. Construction could begin fall of 2012. Interested parties can view the materials at the port offices. Please contact Randy Mueller, Director of Business Development at 360-887-3873 or rmueller@portridgefield.org

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Project Purpose

The essential purpose of the Rail Overpass Project is to provide safe, unobstructed, and direct access on to the redeveloped Ridgefield waterfront, as well as to the “Carty” unit (and potentially the “River S” unit) of the Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge. At present, safety and access to the waterfront by emergency vehicles, cars, trucks, and pedestrians are considered deficient because of the street-level rail crossings and inadequate emergency access.

Project Benefits

Allowing closure of at least two (and possibly four) at-grade railroad crossings, including the Mill Street crossing which is ranked the 5th most dangerous crossing in Washington state
Improving Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge access. Presently, the “Carty Unit” of the R.N.W.R. is not easily handicapped accessible, and the “River S Unit” is currently accessible only via a failing bridge on Refuge Road
Increasing railroad mainline capacity through the Portland metro area - where 70-80 trains pass through Ridgefield on a daily basis
Enabling the extension of the high speed rail corridor between Eugene, Oregon and Vancouver, BC
Providing safe access to the Port of Ridgefield, a major job center for the city of Ridgefield
Providing visitor and tourist access to the Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge
Reducing train and whistle noise
Improving air quality in Ridgefield neighborhoods by moving trains through town quickly

Preliminary Budget

Total cost of the project is estimated at approximately $12.5 million including the following elements: design, engineering and administration, right-of-way acquisition, environmental impact mitigation, construction, contingency and mobilization.

$3.5 million State of Washington$2 million Port of Ridgefield commitment of funds
$1.2 million City of Ridgefield commitment of traffic impact fees
$0.6 million Burlington Northern Santa Fe railroad
Total funds committed = 42%
$7.2 million (58%) required to initiate project

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