Frequently Asked Questions

The SR 432 Rail Realignment and Highway Improvements Project is a study to develop concepts for upgrading the road and rail infrastructure to address current challenges with safety, congestion, freight capacity and system mobility. The safety, efficiency, and capacity improvements to the system as a whole (road, rail, and river) are anticipated to attract new business and industry resulting in economic growth and jobs for the region. During Phase I, various design concepts were developed and evaluated for rail and highway improvements. The project team in coordination with its Executive Committee recommended prioritizing improvements throughout the corridor. Phase II will focus on refining the design concept for the Tier 1 Priority improvements – the SR 432/SR 433 At-Grade Highway/Rail Crossing Elimination – and complete the environmental compliance process.

The following jurisdictions have partnered on the SR 432 Rail Realignment and Highway Improvements Project: - Cowlitz-Wahkiakum Council of Governments (CWCOG) - City of Kelso - City of Longview - Cowlitz County - Cowlitz Economic Development Council (CEDC) - Port of Longview - Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) The CWCOG is leading the partnership while working closely with WSDOT, the Federal Highway Administration, other regulatory agencies, BNSF Railway, and the public.

Total funding for Phases I and II is $4.55 million, including $2 million from the 2011-2013 Washington State Transportation Budget and $2.55 million from the Federal Surface Transportation Program (STP). Additional funding to complete Phase II preliminary engineering, environmental analysis, and preliminary specifications and engineering was recently requested through U.S. Department of Transportation’s TIGER VI grant program.

The project area is located in the southern portion of the Longview/Kelso area, parallel to the Columbia River, and extends from I-5 west to the Port of Longview's Barlow Point property.

A second open house for the SR 432 Rail Realignment and Highway Improvements Project was held on May 28, 2014 to provide an update on project progress since last fall, prioritization of projects in the corridor, and an overview of the next phase of the project. A copy of the presentation is located in the document library. Additional public meetings will be held as the project moves forward. The project website will provide the latest available information. To sign up for the project mailing list please click here.

No. The studies for the SR 432 Rail Realignment and Highway Improvements Project have been underway since the late 1980s. The most recent SR 432 study to evaluate the feasibility of separating the road system from the rail system on the corridor was completed in 2008 – a full two years before Millennium Bulk Terminals purchased the Reynolds/Chinook Ventures property and applied for a permit to build the export facility. The coal terminal is a private industry project that plans to build a single facility and study the environmental impact of their operations. Phase I of the SR 432 Rail Realignment and Highway Improvements Project is a public works project that is evaluating how to improve the entire road and rail system function of the SR 432 corridor from where it connects at I-5 out to the Port of Longview's Barlow Point property. While the SR 432 Rail Realignment and Highway Improvements Project will take potential future operations at the Millennium Bulk Terminals and Port of Longview's Barlow Point sites into account during the study, the project will continue to move forward regardless of whether Millennium Bulk Terminal's facilities receive permits for construction. The project will accommodate freight and transportation serving properties along its length.

ou can find more information about the Millennium Bulk Terminals project at: Millennium Bulk Terminals 360-425-2800 info@millenniumbulk.com www.millenniumbulk.com

As existing businesses in the region try to expand or new companies try to locate here, they will each have to go through the appropriate permitting and environmental processes, which will determine whether or not those companies or industries can build here. The SR 432 Rail Realignment and Highway Improvements Project is evaluating the transportation system as a whole and how it functions. It is not the role of this project to determine whether or not individual companies or industries can access and operate on the transportation system. Local, state, and federal agencies will be responsible for oversight of the permitting and environmental review processes for private companies or industries.