Amtrak to add Cascades trip in response to bridge collapse over Skagit River

To assist travelers affected by last week's Interstate 5 highway bridge collapse in Skagit County, Wash., Amtrak Cascades will add one round-trip route between Seattle and Bellingham in the coming weeks.

Amtrak, Washington State Department of Transportation, BNSF Railway Co. and Sound Transit are working together to add the service, which involves a morning departure from Seattle to Bellingham with an early evening return to help those who normally drive the route, Amtrak officials said in a press release.

Amtrak Cascades provides four trips each day over the Skagit River bridge, which is fully functional. Amtrak Cascades Thruway buses will add 10 more trips through the area.

On May 23, a 160-foot section of the 58-year-old, four-lane steel truss bridge collapsed into the Skagit River after being struck by a truck carrying an oversize load, according to media reports. Three people were reported to be injured when their vehicles fell into the river.