High Risk 🚂 Rail / Transportation Infrastructure  ·  Washington

Cascades Corridor Amtrak Seattle to Portland

CRITICAL INFRASTRUCTURE RISK PROFILE  ·  WASHINGTON

7 / 10
Risk Score
Facility Type
🚂 Rail / Transportation Infrastructure
Primary Risk Radius
2
mile zone
Secondary Risk Radius
15
mile zone

// Risk Intelligence

Risk Score7 / 10   High
Facility Type🚂 Rail / Transportation Infrastructure
Operator / BranchAmtrak / WSDOT
Host CountyPierce County WA
Nearest CityPepperell MA
Primary Risk Radius2 miles
Secondary Risk Radius15 miles

// Strategic Significance

The Amtrak Cascades corridor between Seattle and Portland runs along Puget Sound through Pierce County and was the site of the December 2017 DuPont Washington derailment when a new route section opened and a train traveling at 80 mph on a 30 mph curve derailed killing 3 passengers and injuring 57. The corridor is in the Cascadia Subduction Zone earthquake area. Mudslides from the Cascades foothills are a recurring hazard along this route. The corridor passes over Puget Sound on bridges vulnerable to earthquake damage.

// Civilian Impact Assessment

Pierce County with 930,000 residents. The 2017 DuPont derailment killed 3 and injured 57 on the first day of a new route. Cascadia earthquake could simultaneously damage the corridor and trigger mudslides. Puget Sound bridges are vulnerable to seismic damage.

// Evacuation & Shelter Guidance

I-5, SR-512, Puget Sound. Pierce County Emergency Management coordinates Cascadia earthquake and rail emergency protocols.

// Counties Within Risk Zone

// Cities Within Risk Zone