By Adam Wilson, The Olympian, Olympia, Wash. Dec. 24--Floods closed the major railroad running near Interstate 5 earlier this month, but for only half the time the road was shut down. The episode highlights rails' growing importance to the state's economy.

By Keith Ervin, Seattle Times Nov. 28--BNSF Railway's aging Eastside tracks could easily be modernized to accommodate 40-mph passenger-train service, according to a report from a think tank that opposes using the prized Snohomish-to-Renton right of way only as a recreational trail.

By Kristin Jackson, Seattle Times Oct. 25--Amtrak is riding high, with a record number of train passengers in the Pacific Northwest and nationally. The Amtrak Cascades service, which includes trains from Seattle to Portland and Vancouver, B.C., was particularly successful.

By Kristin Jackson, Seattle Times Oct. 24--Amtrak train service in the Pacific Northwest is returning to normal with its Talgo railcars back in service more quickly than expected, Amtrak officials said Tuesday.

By Kristin Jackson, Seattle Times Oct. 23--Amtrak train service in the Pacific Northwest is returning to normal with its Talgo railcars back in service more quickly than expected, Amtrak officials said today.