BEFORE THE WASHINGTON UTILITIES AND TRANSPORTATION COMMISSION

NORTHWEST RAILWAY MUSEUM 
                          Petitioner,
                 vs.
CITY OF SNOQUALMIE 
                          Respondent
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	)	DOCKET TR-001633
		ORDER GRANTING PETITION FOR MODIFICATION OF A GRADE CROSSING SURFACE AT NEWTON 
STREET
		D.O.T.         092027L
		W.U.T.C.         29A 33.10

BACKGROUND 
1          On October 27, 2000, the Northwest Railway Museum filed a petition 
with the Commission, seeking   authority to modify a highway-rail grade 
crossing. The crossing is located at the intersection of Newton Street  and the 
petitioner's tracks in Snoqualmie, 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, Newton Street is classified as a 
rural local road, consisting of two lanes and a  vehicle speed limit of 25 mph. 
Average daily traffic through the crossing is estimated at 350 vehicles. 
4          Respondent maintains a single main track through the crossing. Daily 
train traffic includes 12 trains operating  primarily on Saturdays and Sundays, 
however, weekday train operations also occur on an occasional basis. 
5          The surface of the Newton Street grade crossing is made up of wood 
planking that is segmented into three  sections: a roadway section and two 
separate walkway sections, which are located 8 feet from either side of  the 
roadway section. The crossing is generally very rough and uneven due to the 
deterioration of the planking.  In addition, Newton Street was widened to 
approximately 32 1/2 feet in 1996. The crossing surface was not  altered to 
match the width of the road and does not extend the full width of the roadway.
6          Petitioner proposes to install a new crossing surface that will 
extend the full width of the traveled roadway,  including the sidewalks. The 
new surface will be approximately 57 feet long and will be made of concrete. 
The  installation will provide a safer crossing for all roadway users in the 
vicinity.

7          Commission Staff investigated the petition and recommend that the 
petition be granted, subject to specified  conditions.
8          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 
9          THE COMMISSION GRANTS the petition of the Northwest Railway Museum 
for the modification of a  grade crossing surface, located at the intersection 
of Newton Street and the petitioner's tracks in Snoqualmie,  Washington, 
subject to the following conditions: 
10     1) The installation must conform to the plans filed in this proceeding. 
          2) The crossing shall 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 sidewalks.
          3) 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.
         4) 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.
11          Dated at Olympia, Washington, and effective this 29th day of 
November, 2000.
12          WASHINGTON UTILITIES AND TRANSPORTATION COMMISSION
                                                              CAROLE J. 
WASHBURN, Secretary