Shaping the future transportation system for the Cascadia Megaregion
At the direction of the Washington state Legislature, WSDOT established the Cascadia High-Speed Rail and I-5 Program to address the transportation needs of the growing Cascadia Megaregion.
With 3-4 million more people expected in the megaregion between 2020 and 2050, we need to make investments in our transportation system to keep people and goods moving reliably today and in the future. The program will plan investments to modernize current travel options, like the I-5 system, while also exploring new, transformative options, like high-speed rail.
The Cascadia Program includes two major planning projects: Cascadia High-Speed Rail, which would connect the metropolitan areas of Portland, Oregon; Seattle, Washington; and Vancouver, British Columbia; and a Master Plan for I-5, border-to-border in Washington.
The Program is working closely with other planning efforts along the corridor, including Amtrak Cascades and air mobility, to plan an integrated system that connects different modes smoothly and efficiently.
What's happening in this current phase?
The Cascadia High-Speed Rail project is exploring how high-speed rail could transform the Pacific Northwest. Right now, the Program is developing a Service Development Plan for Cascadia High-Speed Rail that will explore key details like route and service options.
The I-5 Master Plan project is in the early stages of developing an actionable I-5 Master Plan that will identify, prioritize and guide investments to address both near- and long- term needs. The master plan will also identify opportunities for innovation and integration with other modes.
What is the Cascadia Megaregion?
Megaregions are networks of cities with shared economies, infrastructure and natural ecosystems. The Cascadia Megaregion, known for its innovation economy and natural resources, is one of 11 growing megaregions in the United States.
In March 2022, the Washington State Legislature passed the Move Ahead Washington transportation package that included funding and direction for WSDOT to advance planning for Cascadia High-Speed Rail and a Master Plan for I-5 in Washington state. Consistent with legislative direction to coordinate planning work across modes, WSDOT integrated these two efforts into one program.
Cascadia High-Speed Rail
WSDOT and its partners are exploring how high-speed rail could help transform the Cascadia Megaregion and strengthen its position in the global marketplace. High-speed rail could bring significant economic benefits to our region. Early studies suggest it could create over $355 billion in economic growth and 200,000 jobs.
The project began with early studies dating back to 2016 and was solidified in 2021 with a formalized partnership between British Columbia, Washington and Oregon.
In 2023, the Federal Railroad Administration awarded a planning grant for Cascadia High-Speed Rail under the Corridor Identification and Development Program. WSDOT will use the federal grant and state match funds to create a Service Development Plan for Cascadia High-Speed Rail.
Cascadia High-Speed Rail would complement, not replace, the existing Amtrak Cascades passenger rail service. High-speed services, like the proposed Cascadia High-Speed Rail, reach speeds between 160 and 250 miles per hour, make limited stops, and offer shorter trip times. Passengers would use Amtrak Cascades and local transit options to reach destinations between high-speed rail stops.
I-5 Master Plan
I-5 is key to Washington’s transportation system. It powers our economy, links statewide markets to our ports, and connects people to jobs, goods, and each other. A reliable I-5 keeps us all moving.
In Spring 2022, the Legislature (PDF 203KB) initiated the Move Ahead Washington funding package to take steps to develop an I-5 Master Plan that sets priorities for the north-south corridor. Between now and 2029, the Cascadia Program is developing an actionable I-5 Master Plan to address both current and future needs for the I-5 system in Washington State– including safety, reliability, seismic resilience, and innovation.
The I-5 Master Plan will develop a comprehensive list of policies, projects and strategies as part of shape a future-focused vision for the I-5 system as part of an integrated transportation system. Once complete, the I-5 Master Plan will identify, prioritize and direct investments to address both near- and long-term needs.
How can I get involved?
Participation and input from communities throughout the Cascadia Megaregion are vital to shape the vision of our future transportation system through engagement on I-5 Master Plan development and the Cascadia High-Speed Rail service development plan.
The Cascadia Program is planning engagement opportunities, expected to begin early 2026 to inform these two efforts.
The Cascadia Program is committed to engaging with you and the members of the public, private sector, community-based organizations, labor, business and trade associations, transportation agencies, freight operators, Tribes and First Nations, and government agencies.
Stay informed by subscribing to our email updates for Cascadia High-Speed Rail and the I-5 Master Plan.
A commitment to small business contracting
WSDOT is committed to providing contracting opportunities for small businesses. See our contracting webpage for more information and resources for working with WSDOT.
The Cascadia High-Speed Rail and I-5 Program is in the very early planning stages. For questions regarding small business contracting, contact CascadiaProgram@wsdot.wa.gov.
Cascadia High-Speed Rail
The Cascadia High-Speed Rail project is exploring how high-speed rail could transform the Pacific Northwest. Right now, the Program is developing a Service Development Plan for Cascadia High-Speed Rail that will explore key details like route and service options.
I-5 Master Plan
The I-5 Master Plan project is in the early stages of developing an actionable I-5 Master Plan that will identify, prioritize and guide investments to address both near- and long- term needs. The master plan will also identify opportunities for innovation and integration with other modes.
The Cascadia High-Speed Rail and I-5 Program includes two projects with different but overlapping corridor areas. Cascadia High-Speed Rail’s potential corridor area extends from the Portland, OR metropolitan area to the Vancouver, British Columbia metropolitan area. The I-5 Master Plan study area extends from the U.S.-Canada international border to the Washington state-Oregon border.
Cascadia High-Speed Rail
The Cascadia High-Speed Rail Service Development Plan will consider environmental opportunities and challenges at a high level, with additional environmental review to follow in future phases.
I-5 Master Plan
The I-5 Master Plan will identify projects to advance to environmental review in future phases.
