[ClaytonA]

http://www.constructionequipmentguid...on-track/31524

The improvements will automate 21 switches that conductors currently must throw by hand. Scattered along 2,000 ft. (609 m) of seven separate tracks, the new switches are part of a $38.5 million Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) project that includes installing new signals and adding a new platform. ...

“As you can imagine, that isn't a very efficient process,” said David Smelser, capital program manager for the rail, freight and port division of WSDOT. “The trains can be within sight of the station and it may take up to a half hour to actually get to the platform. When they leave, the same thing [happens] in reverse.” ...