Everett-Seattle passenger train line re-opened

Associated Press

SEATTLE — A Burlington Northern Santa Fe spokesman says the passenger train line between Seattle and Everett has reopened.

Gus Melonas says engineers have the go-ahead on Saturday in what they hope is a long-term clearing of the lines.

Pounding rain, mudslides and debris over the last few weeks have closed the line to Amtrak and Sound Transit trains. Melonas says that since Dec. 17, the line had been open only two days for passenger trains.

Melonas says crews are using the dry spell to continue working on short-term remedies, such as ditching and cutting trees that are leaning. He says BNSF is considering enhancing drainage along the line near Everett later on.

Nearly 80 slides have happened along the line since the rains started and about 40 reached the track.