BEFORE THE WASHINGTON UTILITIES AND TRANSPORTATION COMMISSION
WASHINGTON STATE                    )         DOCKET NO. TR-001131 
DEPARTMENT OF                    )
TRANSPORTATION                    )          ORDER GRANTING PETITION TO INSTALL
                                               )          MEDIAN BARRIERS AT SR 
104 / MAIN 
                 Petitioner,                    )         STREET IN EDMONDS
                                               )
THE BURLINGTON NORTHERN   ) 
SANTA FE RAILROAD                    )         DOT:                  085445K
COMPANY                                     )
                                               )         WUTC:               2B 
17.80
                 Respondent                    )
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   )
BACKGROUND 
                  On July 10, 2000, the Washington State Department of 
Transportation filed a petition with the Commission, seeking authority to 
install median barriers at a grade crossing. The crossing is located at the 
intersection of Main Street (SR-104) and the tracks of the Burlington Northern 
Santa Fe Railroad Company in Edmonds, Washington.
                  Respondent has consented to an entry of an Order by the 
Commission without further notice or hearing.
DISCUSSION
                  In the vicinity of the crossing, Main Street is classified as 
a principal arterial road, consisting of five lanes and a vehicle speed limit 
of 25 mph. The crossing is directly adjacent to the Edmonds Ferry Terminal and 
an AMTRAK station. Average daily traffic through the crossing is estimated at 
5,200 vehicles. 
                  Respondent maintains a single main-line track through the 
crossing. Current daily train traffic averages 50 trains, including freight and 
commuter operations. The maximum timetable speed for trains in the vicinity is 
40 mph. 
                  The crossing is currently equipped with flashing light 
signals and gates. The petitioner proposes to install a raised median barrier 
on the east side of the crossing, that consists of yellow center-line curbing 
with flexible guide posts. The curbing will be 12 inches wide, and 3.4 to 4 
inches high. A median barrier is not needed on the west side of the tracks due 
to Main Street ending at a  "T" intersection immediately to the west of the 
crossing. The installation will deter attempts by motorists to drive around 
lowered gates upon the approach of a train, which has been observed at this 
location in the past.

                  Commission Staff have investigated the petition and have 
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 Washington State 
Department of Transportation for the installation of median barriers 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 WUTC 
crossing number 2B 17.80, subject to the following conditions:
                  1) Installation of the median barriers must conform to the 
plans filed in this proceeding.
                  2) All devices must be installed in such a manner as to 
provide required clearances for both rail and vehicular traffic.
                  3) Upon completion of the installation authorized herein, 
petitioner must notify the Commission. Acceptance of the 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 9th day of 
August, 2000.
                  WASHINGTON UTILITIES AND TRANSPORTATION COMMISSION
                                                              CAROLE J. WASHBURN
                                                              Secretary