Re: Sky Track work - Update...
Author: George Andrews
Date: 06-01-2008 - 21:09
I just returned from an overnighter on Stevens Pass, and can offer the following updates:
1) Work windows are in effect Sunday - Thursday, starting after Amtrak # 7 passes & until 1800 hrs. Per conversation with M of W employee @ Skykomish on Sat.
2) Major tie replacement & track realignment underway on all major curves, & in Cascade Tunnel. The curve @ Foss River bridge was being aligned today. New concrete ties laid out on curves between Berne & Merritt; also new switch ties on the ground @ East Berne siding switch.
3) Several 100' assembled sections of new rail & PLASTIC Ties laid out @ East Portal Cascade Tunnel. Also several @ East Scenic. Also @ Scenic, stacks of low - profile wood ties. The dirt road grade crossing @ Scenic was being relaid with new panel track; this trapped several carloads of hikers on the " wrong side of the tracks."
4) Skykomish is quite a busy place right now, with several trainloads of concrete ties & ballast cars in the yard tracks. M of W equipment everywhere, a Loram Ballast renewal train, BNSF jobsite " Command Trailer ", as well as the soil remediation compound. Some brush & tree clearing south of the yard has re - exposed the water tank foundations.
5) Further West, several road crossings in Sultan & Monroe are posted with upcoming closure dates, probably for track & crossing plank renewal.