WSDOT’s Cascadia Program exploring regional high-speed rail in coordination with statewide I-5 needs

OLYMPIA – The Washington State Department of Transportation's Cascadia Program is coordinating efforts to address current and future transportation demands throughout the Cascadia megaregion.

Stretching from Vancouver, British Columbia, to Portland, Oregon, the Cascadia megaregion is expected to grow by 3.4 million people through 2050. The Cascadia Program includes the Interstate 5 Master Plan and the Cascadia High-Speed Rail projects. Together, they aim to address the region’s population growth and existing infrastructure constraints. The goal is to ensure the reliable movement of people and goods now and into the future. Taking an integrated approach is crucial for maintaining connectivity and addressing growth within the region.

Both projects are in their initial planning phases, laying the groundwork for future progress. The I-5 Master Plan is looking at current and future needs and identifying gaps within the corridor. The goal is to prioritize improvements that will reduce congestion, improve safety, and preserve vital infrastructure.

Concurrently, the High-Speed Rail Project is in its early planning stage. Work is being done to identify potential routes and conceptual service options. The project is also exploring various governance and financing models.

Cascadia Program Administrator Ben Tripousis describes the current period as a uniquely challenging but extremely exciting time for the region. He says there is a significant opportunity to shape how people travel now and in the future. The focus is on gathering information to then evaluate and propose changes. The goal is to create a more reliable and connected transportation network. This transformative vision, which seeks to fundamentally improve regional mobility and economic competitiveness, depends heavily on collaborative input.

Tripousis encourages people, businesses and agency partners to share their perspectives and help advance this crucial work. Ultimately, this collective effort is critical to building a future where movement within the Cascadia megaregion is more reliable and efficient for all.

Learn more and give input

WSDOT encourages residents, business owners and others who travel the region to visit the Cascadia Program’s online engagement site. The site includes information about the region’s transportation needs and how the program is working to address them. WSDOT also welcomes input through an online survey. The survey will be available Oct. 5 through Nov. 13 on the engagement site. Responses will help shape the vision for a thriving Cascadia megaregion for generations to come.

People can also stay informed by subscribing to email updates or sending an email to CascadiaProgram@wsdot.wa.gov.

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