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4/16/2025
The Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) is updating its state rail plan and seeking public feedback on rail-related issues.
The state's population is expected to increase by millions in the next 20 years. With highways already being congested, more safe and reliable rail service will be necessary in the coming years, WSDOT officials said in a press release.
WSDOT has released a self-guided website available through June 24 to obtain feedback on the proposed plan. Visitors can view background material on statewide rail planning efforts and complete a survey on how they currently use the rail system and what they want from the system in the future. The department will also host webinars in May and June. Interested parties can comment on the plan and register for the webinar here.
WSDOT prepares a state rail plan every four years to adapt to population changes, economic and housing projections. The last plan was adopted in 2020, and the 2025 plan will inform policy and support investment decisions for the next 20 years, WSDOT officials said.
Passenger railroads in Washington include Amtrak's intercity and long distance trains, and Sound Transit commuter trains. The state is also home to 3,200 miles of active freight railroad track, which is used to move nearly 20% of Washington freight.