BEFORE THE WASHINGTON UTILITIES AND TRANSPORTATION COMMISSION
THE UNION PACIFIC                    )         DOCKET NO. TR-000832 
RAILROAD                                      )
                                               )         ORDER GRANTING 
PETITION TO 
                 Petitioner,                    )         RECONSTRUCT A GRADE 
CROSSING 
                                               )         AT FLORA ROAD
SPOKANE COUNTY                    )         
                                               )         W.U.T.C.         10A 
12.00
                 Respondent,                    )         D.O.T.         
0662525V
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   )
BACKGROUND 
                  By petition filed with the Commission on May 31, 2000, the 
Union Pacific Railroad Company seeks authority to extend a siding track through 
the Flora Road grade crossing, located in the NW 1/4 of the NW 1/4 of Section 
7, Township 25, Range 45 E, W.M., in Spokane County.
                  Respondent has consented to an entry of an order by the 
Commission without further notice or hearing.
DISCUSSION
                  In the vicinity of the crossing, Flora Road is classified as 
an urban local road, with one lane of traffic in each direction and a vehicle 
speed limit of 35 mph. Daily traffic through the crossing is estimated at 400 
vehicles, including 80 trucks. Projected traffic in 15 years is expected to 
reach 800 vehicles, including 120 trucks. The number of daily train movements 
through the crossing includes 9 freight trains, traveling at a maximum speed of 
40 mph. 
                  Currently the crossing consists of a single mainline track. 
The proposed reconstruction involves the addition of a siding track through 
Flora Road, thereby creating a double-track grade crossing. The proposed siding 
is shown on the petitioner's plans to begin approximately 300 feet east of the 
crossing, and to extend approximately 7,000 feet west of the crossing. The 
purpose of the siding track is to hold freight trains, while allowing others to 
pass. Petitioner has stated that the length of the proposed siding is 
sufficient to hold trains without blocking Flora Road, and that trains that 
occupy the siding will be stopped at a minimum distance of 250 feet from the 
grade crossing.
                  Commission Staff, having investigated the petition, has 
recommended that the petition be approved, subject to specified conditions.

                  The Commissioners, having reviewed the petition and being 
fully advised in the matter, believe that granting the petition, subject to the 
conditions set forth below is in the public interest, and direct the Secretary 
to issue the Order. 
ORDER
                  THE COMMISSION GRANTS the petition of the Union Pacific 
Railroad Company for the reconstruction of a grade crossing at the intersection 
of the petitioner's tracks and Flora Road in Spokane County, Washington, 
subject to the following conditions:
                  1) The reconstruction must conform to the plans filed in this 
proceeding. 
                  2) All devices must be erected in such a manner as to provide 
required clearances for both rail and vehicular traffic.
                  3) The crossing must be hard surfaced between rails and for a 
distance of at least one foot outside each rail for the full width of the 
traveled roadway, including the sidewalk.
                  4) Traffic control devices, pavement markings, and advance 
warning signs must comply with all applicable standards specified in the U.S. 
Department of Transportation Manual On Uniform Traffic Control Devices.
                  5) Upon completion of the reconstruction authorized herein, 
petitioner 
must report completion to the Commission. Acceptance of the siding track 
installation is subject to a compliance inspection and report by Commission 
staff verifying that the grade crossing is in full compliance with law and 
regulation and the conditions specified herein.
                  Dated at Olympia, Washington, and effective this 28th day of 
June, 2000.
WASHINGTON UTILITIES AND TRANSPORTATION COMMISSION
                                                              CAROLE J. WASHBURN
                                                              Secretary