BEFORE THE WASHINGTON UTILITIES AND TRANSPORTATION COMMISSION



THE BURLINGTON NORTHERN SANTA FE RAILROAD COMPANY

                                      Petitioner,

WHATCOM COUNTY

                                      Respondent
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	)	DOCKET NO. TR-001749
		
		ORDER GRANTING PETITION FOR RECONSTRUCTION OF A GRADE CROSSING AT VALLEY VIEW 
ROAD
		
		
		D.O.T.             084844T
		
		W.U.T.C. 2B 113.08

BACKGROUND

1 On November 13, 2000, the Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railroad Company filed 
a petition with the Commission, seeking authority to reconstruct a grade 
crossing.  The crossing is located at the intersection of the petitioner’s 
tracks and Valley View Road, in the SW ¼ of the NW ¼ of Section 26, Township 
40N, Range 1E, W.M., in Whatcom County, 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, Valley View Road is classified as a local 
road, consisting of two lanes and a vehicle speed limit of 35 mph.  Average 
daily traffic through the crossing is estimated at approximately 400 vehicles.  

4 Petitioner maintains one main track through the crossing.  Current train 
traffic averages 10 freight trains and 2 passenger trains per day, traveling at 
maximum speeds of 50 mph and 79 mph respectively.

5 The crossing is equipped with cantilever-supported flashing light signals 
with gates.  The petitioner proposes to  add a second main track through the 
crossing, resulting in a total of two main tracks across Valley View  Road.  
The addition of the second main track will improve the efficiency of both 
freight and passenger train  operations along the corridor.  The new track will 
be located approximately 15 feet south of the existing main  track.  The 
petitioner also proposes to relocate the existing warning devices located in 
the southeast quadrant  of the crossing approximately 7 feet south to 
accommodate the new main track. 

6 Commission Staff investigated the petition and recommend 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 the reconstruction of a highway-rail grade crossing, 
located at the intersection of Valley View Road and the petitioner’s tracks in 
Whatcom County, Washington, subject to the following conditions:

9 1) The reconstruction must conform to the plans filed in this proceeding.

2) The crossing must be hard-surfaced between the rails and for a distance of 
at least one foot outside each rail for the full width of the traveled roadway, 
including the shoulders.

3) The roadway grade for 25 feet on each side of the outermost rails at the 
crossing must be level. 

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) All equipment must be installed in such a manner as to provide required 
clearances for both rail and vehicular traffic.  Track centers must meet 
minimum clearance standards prescribed in chapter 480-60 WAC.

6) Upon completion of the reconstruction 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 14th day of February, 2001.

THE WASHINGTON UTILITIES AND TRANSPORTATION COMMISSION





       CAROLE J.WASHBURN, Secretar