Mudslides Shut Down Seattle Trains

December 27, 2006
By Brad Wong
Seattle Post-Intelligencer

Heavy rains from Tuesday caused mudslides on railroad tracks from Seattle to Everett, resulting in the halt of passenger service between the cities until early Friday morning.

Service for Amtrak and Sound Transit trains is expected to resume Friday at 1 a.m., said Gus Melonas, a Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railway spokesman.

BNSF owns and operates the lines between Seattle and Vancouver, B.C.

While freight trains resumed service Wednesday morning, BNSF issued the moratorium for passenger trains as a safety precaution, he said.

The most significant mudslide occurred near Carkeek Park in Seattle. It measured 30 feet in length and three feet in depth.

It occurred around midnight and covered both sets of tracks. Trees and other debris also landed on the lines.

"We have experienced some slippage on the cliffs adjacent to our right of way," Melonas said. One of the largest trees to hit tracks along the BNSF corridor measured 24 inches in diameter and 60 feet in length.

Crews were able to clear the mud and debris in Carkeek Park by about 4 a.m. But rail traffic was temporarily stopped.

Those taking passenger trains should expect bus service to and from Seattle and Everett, Melonas said.

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Amtrak canceled passenger service at least for Wednesday for two of its routes.

Passengers on the Amtrak Cascades would be provided with bus service to and from Seattle and Vancouver, B.C., according to an Amtrak statement.

The mudslides are not affecting Amtrak service from Seattle to Eugene, Ore.

Those traveling on the Empire Builder, which runs from Chicago to Seattle, would be provided with bus service from Everett to the Emerald City. Amtrak also would provide bus service from Seattle to Everett for passengers on this line.

While some trees fell on tracks south of Tacoma, BNSF lines south of Seattle have not been affected, Melonas said.

About 20 railroad employees used front-end loaders and heavy trucks, including those that drive on the tracks, to remove the mud, debris and trees.

BNSF inspectors will continue to examine the tracks and surrounding area for problems, Melonas added.

"Crews will work throughout the coming days inspecting the slope," he said.

There were no reports of rail washouts or damaged rail tracks, he added. The railway company's drainage system was able to handle the precipitation.

Storms in November also prompted BNSF to issue moratorium on passenger service.

Amtrak passengers can call 800-872-7245 or visit www.amtrak.com for more information about affected service this week.

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