BEFORE THE WASHINGTON UTILITIES AND TRANSPORTATION COMMISSION

RENTON, WASHINGTON  ) DOCKET NO.  TR-001101
     )
   Petitioner, ) ORDER GRANTING PETITION TO UPGRADE
     ) WARNING DEVICES AT THE MAIN STREET
  vs.   ) GRADE CROSSING
     )
THE BURLINGTON NORTHERN  )
AND SANTA FE RAILROAD )
COMPANY    ) D.O.T. 091691J
     )
   Respondent ) W.U.T.C. 4A 12.30
.   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   )

BACKGROUND

  On July 18, 2000, the City of Renton filed a petition with the Commission 
seeking
authority to upgrade warning devices at a highway-rail grade crossing.  The 
crossing is located at the intersection of Main Street and the tracks of the 
Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railroad Company at railroad mile post 12.28, in 
Renton, Washington.

  Respondent consented to an entry of an Order by the Commission without 
further notice or hearing.

DISCUSSION

  Main Street, in the vicinity of the crossing, is classified as a principal 
arterial, consisting of two lanes for each direction of traffic and vehicle 
speed limit of 25 mph.  Average daily traffic through the crossing is estimated 
at 27,000 vehicles, including 270 trucks and 118 school bus trips.  Projected 
traffic in 10 years is 31,000 vehicles, including 310 trucks and 140 school bus 
trips.

  Respondent maintains a single branch line through the crossing.  The tracks 
run down the center of Houser Way, which also intersects Main Street at the 
highway-rail grade crossing. Current daily train traffic averages four trains, 
including two freight and two passenger trains.  The maximum timetable speed 
for trains in the vicinity is 10 mph.

  The petitioner proposes to upgrade warning devices by replacing the existing 
flashing light signals with new shoulder-mounted flashing light signals and 
motion sensing equipment. The new equipment will be inter-tied to traffic 
signals located adjacent to the crossing, and will improve safety to the 
motoring public.

  Commission Staff investigated the petition and recommended that the petition 
be approved, subject to specified conditions.


  The Commissioners have reviewed the petition and have been fully advised in 
the matter.  They 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 City of Renton for the 
upgrade of traffic control devices at the highway-rail grade crossing, located 
at the intersection of Main Street and the tracks of the Burlington Northern 
Santa Fe Railroad Company, designated as W.U.T.C. crossing number 4A 12.30, 
subject to the following conditions:

  1) Upgrades to the warning devices must conform to the plans filed in this 
proceeding.

  2) The parties must inter-tie the traffic signal at the crossing with the 
train detection equipment to the extent necessary to stop traffic from entering 
the intersection at times when trains are approaching or occupying the crossing.

  3) All devices must be erected in such a manner as to provide required 
clearances for both rail and vehicular traffic.

  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 completing the installation herein authorized, petitioner must report 
completion to the Commission.  Acceptance of the installation is subject to an 
inspection by Commission Staff, verifying that the changes are in full 
compliance with law and regulation, and the conditions specified herein.


  Dated at Olympia, Washington, and effective this 27th day of September, 2000

WASHINGTON UTILITIES AND TRANSPORTATION COMMISSION




CAROLE J. WASHBURN, Secretary