BEFORE THE WASHINGTON UTILITIES AND TRANSPORTATION COMMISSION

WASHINGTON STATE  ) DOCKET NO.  TR-001523
DEPARTMENT OF    )
TRANSPORTATION   ) ORDER GRANTING PETITION TO INSTALL
     ) MEDIAN BARRIERS AT 172nd Street / SR-531
  Petitioner,  ) IN SNOHOMISH COUNTY, WASHINGTON
     )
THE BURLINGTON NORTHERN  )
SANTA FE RAILROAD   ) DOT:  084669E
COMPANY    )
     ) WUTC: 2B 45.90
  Respondent  )
.   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   . )

BACKGROUND

  On October 6, 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 
172nd Street and the  tracks of the Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railroad 
Company in Snohomish 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, 172nd Street is classified as a minor 
collector,
consisting of two lanes and a vehicle speed limit of 25 mph.  Average daily 
traffic through the crossing is estimated at 15,700 vehicles.  

  Respondent maintains two main-line tracks through the crossing.  Current 
daily train traffic averages 14 trains. The maximum timetable speeds for trains 
in the vicinity is 50 mph.

  The crossing is currently equipped with flashing light signals and gates.  
The Petitioner proposes to install a raised median barrier on both sides 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.  The 
median barriers will extend 100 feet down 172nd Street, beginning approximately 
at the point on the centerline across from the gate arm on both sides of the 
crossing.  The installation will deter attempts by motorists to drive around 
lowered gates upon the approach of a train.  This crossing was chosen for 
median barrier installation due to its “high priority rating” by WSDOT for such 
installations. 



  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 Washington State 
Department of Transportation for the installation of median barriers at the 
highway-rail grade crossing, located at the intersection of 172nd Street and 
the tracks of the Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railroad Company, in Snohomish 
County, Washington 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 25th day of October, 
2000.

WASHINGTON UTILITIES AND TRANSPORTATION COMMISSION





       CAROLE J. WASHBURN, Secretary