BEFORE  THE WASHINGTON UTILITIES AND TRANSPORTATION COMMISSION

BURLINGTON NORTHERN SANTA FE RAILROAD COMPANY

Petitioner,

vs.

UNION GAP, WASHINGTON


Respondent
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	)	DOCKET NO. TR-001535
		
		ORDER GRANTING PETITION TO UPGRADE OF WARNING DEVICES AT AHTANUM ROAD
		
		
		D.O.T. 099170V
		
		W.U.T.C. 33C 86.70

BACKGROUND

1 On October 9, 2000, the Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railroad Company filed a 
petition with the   Commission, seeking authority to upgrade warning devices at 
a highway-rail grade crossing.  The crossing is  located in the SW 1/4 of the 
NE 1/4 of section 6, township 12N, range 19E, W.M., at the intersection of  
Ahtanum Road and the petitioner’s tracks in Union Gap, Washington.

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

DISCUSSION

3 In the vicinity of the crossing, Ahtanum Road is classified as a principal 
arterial, consisting of two lanes and a  vehicle speed limit of 30 mph.  
Average daily traffic through the crossing is estimated at 12,000 vehicles,  
including 1228 trucks and 20 school bus trips.  Traffic is expected to increase 
to 16,200 vehicles by 2010.

4 Petitioner maintains a single main track through the crossing, however a 
siding track is located 250 feet east of  the mainline.  Average daily train 
traffic includes six trains operating at a maximum speed of 20 MPH.

5 The crossing is currently equipped with old-style cantilever-mounted flashing 
lights.  The proposed upgrades  include replacing the existing cantilever 
signals with new walk-out type cantilevers and the installation of gates.   The 
upgrades are proposed in the interest of safety to the motoring public.

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



7 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

8 THE COMMISSION GRANTS the petition of the Burlington Northern Santa Fe 
Railroad Company for  upgrading warning devices at a grade crossing, located at 
the intersection of Ahtanum and the petitioner’s  tracks, subject to the 
following conditions:
           
9 1) The upgrades must conform to the plans filed in this proceeding.

 2) Traffic control devices, pavement markings, and advance warning signs shall 
comply with all applicable  standards specified in the U.S. Department of 
Transportation Manual On Uniform Traffic Control Devices.

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

 4) Upon completion of the relocation 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.

10 Dated at Olympia, Washington, and effective this 27th day of December, 2000.

11 WASHINGTON UTILITIES AND TRANSPORTATION COMMISSION



       CAROLE J.WASHBURN, Secretary