The Point Defiance Bypass Project page continues, “The end result is more frequent, more reliable, and faster Amtrak Cascades service.”

Fewer trains on the existing rail line will mean quieter neighborhoods in cities like University Place as well.

“The improvements will allow passenger trains to use the bypass route without being delayed by freight or Sounder trains. After the completion of other capital rail projects, two additional daily round trip passenger trains could be added as early as 2015. Freight train traffic will not increase on this line beyond the minimal amount that utilizes it today.

When completed, the Point Defiance Rail Bypass project will bring a total of five daily round trip passenger trains through Tacoma, Lakewood, and DuPont intersections as soon as 2013, with an average crossing time of less than 50 seconds per intersection and a maximum speed of 79 mph.”

While government hearings and project milestone checks are a part of the project, construction is underway on parts of the project. This photo gallery at the Tacoma News Tribune site contains a very nice set of captioned photos that show parts of the route and of the project under construction.

Outdoors, the immaculate landscape features cascading waterfalls, decks, bridges over the water features and plenty of room for entertaining.  There is ample space for parking in the three car garage, and room for several visitor’s cars or even an RV outside. A sports court provides outdoor exercise facilities.  Golfers will love the challenge of nearby Chambers Bay Golf Club, the public links course that will host the US Amateur championship in 2010 and the US Open in 2015.

This exceptional estate is shown by appointment only by Verna Metzger.

Update: I’ve added a new blog post on the construction of the Point Defiance Bypass Project that, when completed, will re-route most passenger rail traffic inland.