Bellevue residents have until Friday, Nov. 13, to take a public survey that will shape planning for a high-speed rail line connecting Seattle, Portland and Vancouver, B.C.
The Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) is collecting feedback through its Cascadia Program engagement page on both the proposed Cascadia High-Speed Rail project and a separate I-5 Master Plan.
The survey takes about eight to 10 minutes, according to WSDOT.
The project aims for train speeds above 160 mph, more than double the 79 mph maximum on existing Amtrak Cascades service. WSDOT has said the high-speed line would complement Amtrak Cascades, not replace it, likely running on new dedicated tracks with fewer stops.
No routes or station locations have been chosen. WSDOT states on its project page that the current phase "is not selecting a preferred route or specific station locations." The goal is to identify a range of options for further study.
What the plan will cover
The Cascadia High-Speed Rail Service Development Plan, due for completion in 2028, will identify potential route options, examine conceptual service options including trip frequency and number of stops, and explore governance and financing models, according to WSDOT's Cascadia High-Speed Rail project page.
The plan will not select a preferred route or identify station locations. Those decisions would come in future phases, WSDOT said. Environmental review, design and construction would follow if the project advances.
Why the region is planning now
WSDOT projects the Cascadia megaregion, spanning the Vancouver, Seattle and Portland metro areas, will grow by 3.4 million people by 2050. The agency says 80% of I-5 in Washington will face medium or high congestion by that year, up from 59% at present. Truck trips statewide are expected to grow 50% to 67% over the same period.
Washington's I-5 runs 277 miles through the state, connecting communities and major job centers from the Canadian border to Oregon. WSDOT describes the corridor as passing through some of the state's fastest-growing communities.
In an October press release, WSDOT Cascadia Program Administrator Ben Tripousis called the current period "a uniquely challenging but extremely exciting time for the region." The agency said both the I-5 Master Plan and the high-speed rail project are in initial planning phases.
Funding so far
The Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) awarded WSDOT $49.7 million in December 2024 to create the Service Development Plan, according to WSDOT's project page. The Washington State Legislature provided an additional $5.5 million in state matching funds. The planning work is expected to continue through 2028.
The project has evolved through studies and partnerships since 2016, when Washington Gov. Jay Inslee and British Columbia Premier Christy Clark signed an agreement to explore high-speed rail. In 2025, the governors of Washington and Oregon and the premier of British Columbia signed a new agreement reaffirming their commitment to the study.
How to weigh in
Bellevue residents can complete the survey at engage.wsdot.wa.gov/cascadia-program through Nov. 13. WSDOT says responses will inform recommendations and help the agency focus on community transportation priorities.
