Amtrak service suspension between Seattle, Portland extended again

SEATTLE - Amtrak said on Monday that it is extending its suspension of service between Seattle and Portland to Wednesday, Aug. 19.

Trains between Seattle and Portland haven't been in service for over a week due to a "track obstruction" stemming from a warehouse fire that occurred on Aug. 2.

Amtrak originally extended the suspension from Monday, Aug. 10, to Friday, Aug. 14, but has continuously pushed back the reopening since.

Amtrak suspends service due to warehouse fire

The backstory:

The Centennial Mills Warehouse in Portland caught fire on Aug. 2, causing the building to become highly unstable. Since then, work has been underway to demolish the 116-year-old structure.

Demolition crews have marked a perimeter around the building to ensure a safe distance from the public during the planned deconstruction. Amtrak Cascades posted a photo showing how close the train tracks are to the warehouse.

Amtrak originally announced it would be suspending service between Seattle and Portland through Friday, Aug. 7. However, demolition of the warehouse is taking longer than expected, prompting Amtrak to push back the track reopening multiple times.

The service suspension has since been expanded until Wednesday, Aug. 19, as the scorched Centennial Mills Warehouse is still standing. Amtrak said it would provide buses in place of the suspended train service, but noted that some departures were canceled due to limited bus availability. 

Alternate routes for riders between Seattle and Portland

What we know:

Amtrak Cascades has provided a list of alternatives for those who typically rely on the train service between Seattle and Portland. 

Northbound trains

• 500 – Canceled entirely, you should book a different trip
• 502 – Substitute bus to all stations between Portland and Seattle
• 504 – Train between Eugene and Portland, then switch to bus for remainder of trip
• 506 – Bus between Portland and Vancouver, WA, then switch to train for remainder of trip
• 508 – Train between Eugene and Portland and then switch to bus for remainder of trip
• 516 – Train between Seattle and Vancouver, BC – no disruption
• 518 – Bus between Portland and Vancouver, WA, then switch to train for remainder of trip

Southbound trains

• 503 – Bus between Seattle and Portland and then switch to train for remainder of trip
• 505 – Train between Seattle and Vancouver, WA and then switch to bus to Portland
• 507 – Bus between Seattle and Portland and then switch to train for remainder of trip
• 509 – Bus between Seattle and Portland
• 511 – Canceled entirely, you should book a different trip
• 517 – Train between Vancouver, BC and Vancouver WA and then switch to bus to Portland
• 519 – Train between Vancouver, BC and Seattle – no disruption

Customers affected by the suspension can rebook or request a full refund through Amtrak.com, the Amtrak app, or by calling their customer service line at (1-800-872-7245).

What's next:

Amtrak is expected to provide a new update on the situation on or before Wednesday, Aug. 19. 

Until then, customers are encouraged to track communications through texts with Amtrak, emails, or the Amtrak app. Customers can also track their train status through the Amtrak website. 

Updates are also posted to the Amtrak Alerts social media pages and through the City of Portland's website. 

MORE NEWS FROM FOX 13 SEATTLE

Seattle poll shows 75% support public safety cameras

Investigators seek new leads after remains identified in 1973 cold case

Seattle restaurant recovers $40K held by Uber Eats, demands refunds

Here's where fires in Washington state are burning

Seattle Mount Baker robbery leaves 1 injured, police search for suspects

CARE clears Seattle police in Bite of Seattle shooting

Seahawks, Witherspoon agree on 4-year, $132 million extension: report

To get the best local news, weather and sports in Seattle for free, sign up for the daily FOX Seattle Newsletter.

Download the free FOX LOCAL app for mobile in the Apple App Store or Google Play Store for live Seattle news, top stories, weather updates and more local and national news.

NewsTransportationSeattleOregon