Spanning more than a decade across three contracts, this project delivers Maintenance of Way (MOW) services for a 20-mile segment of Sound Transit’s commuter rail system, supporting Amtrak passenger service and BNSF freight operations.
The project area includes both a layover yard and freight yard within the limits of the Lakewood Subdivision: one at Milepost 1.5 and the other at Milepost 17.6, each consisting of two yard tracks.
Need
Maintaining safe and reliable operations along the heavily traveled alignment requires proactive inspections and timely maintenance. Through this contract, our team delivers prompt MOW services that ensure reliability and safety for all operators and passengers on the alignment.
Work
Within milepost limits, our team maintains the area within 25 feet of each main track centerline, including spur tracks up to 25 feet of the main track centerline and sight triangles at least 250 feet away from grade crossings to enhance visibility and support safe rail operations. Other work includes:
All activities are performed within dense passenger traffic, requiring close coordination with dispatchers to ensure secure track access and maintain safe, uninterrupted rail operations.
Collaboration
Working on live track, constant communication and close collaboration is essential to safely perform all activities. Our team is responsible for performing all MOW services in compliance with the Code of Federal Requirements (CFR), Washington Utilities and Transportation Codes (WUTC), and other applicable compliance requirements. In addition to coordinating with Sound Transit, our team works closely with BNSF, Tacoma Rail, and Amtrak to safely plan and execute work without disrupting rail operations.
Lakewood, WA
Commuter Rail
Task-Order
Ongoing
Sound Transit
Northwest