Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) Page

1. Why do the tracks between Everett and Seattle need improvement?

The track and signal improvements are necessary to create enough rail capacity to allow for the safe and reliable operation of Sounder's 8 daily trains without degrading the operation of BNSF's freight service, which has recently experienced tremendous growth in the Puget Sound region. Today, between Everett and Seattle, there is a combination of double and single track segments. The single track segments create bottlenecks for all rail traffic when trains going in opposite directions must pass one another. This limits the capacity to move both freight and passenger service through the Puget Sound region. One of the primary improvements of this project is the addition of a second main track where there is currently only one. Those single track areas receiving the double track improvements are at Interbay, Ballard, Edmonds, and Mukilteo.

2. Why can't the existing track handle the traffic of both freight and passenger service?

Without the improvements, neither the passenger nor the freight service would be reliable. Sounder and BNSF must be able to operate with minimal delays or risk losing customers like Boeing, the Port of Seattle, or the daily commuter. In order to give Sounder the dedicated line it needs for reliable service and allow freight trains to continue to move in both directions along the corridor, the track and signal systems need to be improved. The new double track sections, the improved signal system, and the new series of control points (crossovers) will add reliability and will increase the overall safety, capacity, and flexibility for the trains using the railway.

3. What will the signal improvements do?

The signal improvements will provide centralized traffic control (CTC) in the corridor where new control points optimally spaced approximately every five miles will allow trains to cross from one track to another in either direction, . With a CTC signal system, BNSF dispatchers in Fort Worth, Texas, manage the operation of trains, respond to incidents, and communicate to managers, stations and train crews when there are changes in schedules, disruption to traffic and other information alerts.

4. What is Sound Transit's role in the track improvements?

Under the Agreement between Sound Transit and BNSF, Sound Transit will purchase four service "easements" to operate Sounder commuter trains in the corridor. Sound Transit's role in the track work is to obtain permits required for BNSF to do its work.

5. What is a grade crossing?

A location where a public or private street crosses railroad tracks at grade. These locations can be very dangerous for motorists or pedestrians who disregard warning devices. To avoid collisions, traffic control devices are required at grade crossings just like intersecting roads need stop signs or traffic signals. (picture at left shows new grade crossing at Everett)

6. What is a crossover?

A crossover, sometimes referred to as a turnout or a switch, is the location where trains can move from one track to another, or switch tracks. The wheels of trains are able to transition from one track to another through a series of movable rail points and a "frog". At left is a photo of a cast manganese frog, which is one component of a crossover.

7. What are switching tracks?

Switching tracks, also called yard tracks, are tracks other than main line tracks used for the purpose of reclassifying, maintaining, or storing trains.

8. What is a railroad tie?

A railroad tie is a component of railroad track, like rail, spikes, plates, and anchors, that supports the rails on a railway track. The British call a railroad tie a "sleeper". Traditionally, ties have been made of wood, although today many ties are made of concrete.

9. What is a signal bungalow? Why do you need them?

It is the location where the hardware of the signal system is housed and protected from the elements. There is much circuitry, relays, communication devices, for example, that are necessary for the operation of a signal system. Typically they can be observed as a silver colored box along the tracks.