A rail or trail through Kirkland? 150 people showed up at Wednesday’s open house for The Port of Seattle meeting regarding the BNSF rail line, the largest crowd at the Port open houses yet. There were representatives from the Port, Sound Transit, and King County.

This is a hot topic in Kirkland. People are passionate about what should happen with the rail line in the future. There were people for the rail and people for the trail. Of the 150 people in attendance, 3/4 of the people or more were in favor of a trail. If you click on the link to the Port’s website, the site will explain the proposals for the BNSF line.

In a nutshell, The Surface Transportation Board in Washington, DC will rule on the the Port’s purchase of the eastside rail line from BNSF later this year. Until then, no formal decisions will be made or, should I say, should be made? The proposed uses put forth before The Surface Transportation Board are:

• Freight use for the northern portion of the line.
• A rail-banked, public access trail with a potential for an excursion train on the southern (or middle section) of the line.

But is the Port pushing for a commuter rail over a trail? It sure feels like it to me.

As the Port is waiting for the word from The Surface Transportation Board, It’s safe to say the Port, BNSF, and Sound Transit are all talking to rail carriers who may be ready and waiting for an excursion or demonstration commuter train to be put in place.

Since Port of Seattle Commissioner Patricia Davis ended the meeting by talking about the ideas she was taking away from the meeting, here’s my “take away” from the meeting.

How does King County Executive Ron Sims view the first use of the corridor?

Ron Sims supports dual use of the line, with an interim trail in place until the best use of the line can be determined. This plan is clearly a different sequence of events than the Port or Sound Transit seems to have in mind. Sims supports freight on the northern portion of the line between Woodinville and Snohomish. The portion below mile 5 in Renton will stay in BNSF hands for Boeing to bring fuselages down from Everett. It’s the section from Bellevue, now that the Wilburton Tunnel is almost gone, to Woodinville that is the most contentious section.

Sims sees this portion of the line as a fabulous trail connecting to the already wonderful trail system existing in King County. This trail will be the spine, uniting all the other trails in the area. Sims analysis of the trail vs. rail is spot on, in my book. The reality is a train and trail do not fit together in many places along the line. The cost to develop both a trail and a train effectively is far more than most people could imagine.

Kirk Triplett from King County Executive Ron Sims office made an interesting presentation, providing the following facts regarding our county’s trails:

2,370,732 annual uses on King County Trails

Existing rail lines and trails in King County (PDF)

Burke Gilman Trail:

1,082,484 total annual users per 2005 survey

796,900 of these uses were during the week.

• 796,900 of these uses were during the week.
• 285,584 of these uses were on the weekend.
• approximately 7200 commuter trips per week.
• approximately 1400 commuter trips per weekday.

Sammamish River Trail:

736,996 total annual uses per 2005 survey.

• 507,780 weekly uses
• 229,216 weekend uses.
• 101,556 commuter trips
• 1950 commuter trips per week.
• approximately 390 commuter trips per weekday.

If 1440 commuters came down a trail on the BNSF line, it would be equivalent to 152 bus trips. Imagine the power of “pedal” power and foot power with people now able to commute in a earth friendly manner.

Challenges to rail development per Ron Sims:

• single-track, single stack
• 53 at-grade crossings in King County
• 15 rail bridges/trestles south of Woodinville.
• Sharp curves and crossings limit speeds to 10-30 mph.
• Tracks will need to be replaced.
• Curves will need to be straightened to increase speed.
• Railroad ties and the rail line will need to be replaced
• bank widening, retaining walls will be required to support safe commuter rail at 40 mph.
• who will pay for all the work?
• who will ride the train?

In my previous post on this site, I discussed the impact a commuter train would have on local traffic at busy intersections, a huge concern. In fact, comments were made at this meeting regarding the local commute suffering for the long distance commute.

Other things you should know from the open house:

Is the Port talking to different rail companies about rail on the line before the Surface Transportation gives its ruling? Yes. It was clear from the meeting, the Port officials and BNSF are in talks with rail carriers who want to use the rail line.

Will an excursion train travel south from Woodinville? Currently the Port is looking at an excursion train from Snohomish to Woodinville, but has not ruled out extending the route further south on the line.

Why are some Kirkland residents worried about an excursion train coming south into Kirkland? Once a train is back on the tracks, it may eliminate a trail.

Is there a possibility of a “demonstration” commuter line on the southern portion from Woodinville to Bellevue? Yes, another concern local residents have is a deal will be inked for a demonstration commuter line soon, before the public process is complete.

Will the Port withhold this authority for a demonstration train until after a robust process public process, upholding their agreement to the public prior to allowing any excursion train? It was tough to get a clear answer on this one and this is a key issue. It’s imperative the Port follow the public process before signing any “deals” with rail companies. The public process has only just begun and should be carried into 2009.

I quote from Port of Seattle Commissioner John Creighton’s news release in May, 2008:

“To ensure that we have had adequate time for final review of the myriad, complex documents included in the transaction, the Port Commission will not take any action on the deal today, but will use the time to hear again from the many stakeholders invested in the future of the corridor.”

Is Sound Transit conducting another study of the line’s uses? Yes, per the State Legislature, another study must be completed by February, 2009.

What’s the impact of this study? The legislature can make recommendations based on the study results, but none of the organizations involved need to abide by these recommendations. Pretty amazing to think this study may have absolutely no impact on the decisions the Port or Sound Transit will make. If the legislature’s direction after reviewing the study does not have to be adhered to, what guarantee is there the public process will be followed? Why would the Port or Sound Transit listen to King County citizens if they don’t listen to the legislature.

The Eastside Trail Advocates , of which I am a member, are looking for a careful analysis of the rail line with the proper public review before any deals are struck with private concerns. The group supports a trail first, with the exploration of rail use in a fair and unbiased manner.

It’s important to keep the public process open on this issue. Port of Seattle Commissioner Gael Tarleton ended the meeting by reminding the audience that we, the voters, must make our voices heard. It’s important for people on the Eastside to stay on top of this issue to ensure the right choices are made.

See related articles at http://www.kirklandviews.com/tag/bnsf-trail/