WASHINGTON UTILITIES AND TRANSPORTATION COMMISSION



IN THE MATTER OF CLARK COUNTY’S PETITION TO RELOCATE RAILROAD
WARNING DEVICES




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	)	DOCKET NO. TR-010064
		
		ORDER GRANTING PETITION FOR RELOCATION OF WARNING DEVICES AT NE 88TH STREET
		
		
		D.O.T.                852430M
		
		W.U.T.C. 8B 4.70
	 	

BACKGROUND

1 On January 18, 2001, Clark County filed a petition with the Commission, 
seeking 
authority to relocate warning devices at a highway-rail grade crossing.  The 
crossing is located in the SW ¼  of the NE ¼  of section 6, township 2N, range 
2E, W.M., at the intersection of NE 88th Street and the tracks of the Lewis and 
Clark Railroad.

2 Because Clark County is both the road authority and owner of the Lewis and 
Clark Railroad, respondent waiver of hearing does not apply in this proceeding. 

 DISCUSSION

3 In the vicinity of the crossing, NE 88th Street is classified as a collector 
road, consisting of two lanes and a vehicle speed limit of 40 mph.  Average 
daily traffic through the crossing is estimated at 9,700 vehicles.  The 
intersecting railroad consists of a single main track, with an average of six 
freight trains per week, operating at a maximum speed of 10 mph.

4 Warning devices at the NE 88th Street crossing include shoulder-mounted 
flashing light signals and gates.  The development of an industrial complex 
just west of the crossing and an associated left turn lane for east-bound 
traffic on NE 88th Street requires the construction of a roadway taper on the 
north side of the road, that will begin approximately 60 feet west of the 
crossing and will extend approximately 140 feet east of the crossing, thereby 
adding additional width to the roadway through the crossing. The proposal will 
not add additional lanes to NE 88th Street, but will require relocating the 
existing warning signals in order to accommodate the roadway taper.  The signal 
in the northeast quadrant will be relocated approximately 10 feet northeast, 
and the signal in the southwest quadrant will be relocated approximately 5 feet 
to the southwest.  In addition, the petitioner proposes to install longer gate 
arms so they fully cover the traveled roadway after the roadway construction is 
complete.

5 The relocation of the signals will be implemented through the developer of 
the adjacent industrial complex for  which the roadway improvements are 
needed.  
        

6 Commission Staff investigated the petition and have recommend 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 Clark County for the relocation of 
warning devices at a grade crossing, located at the intersection of NE 88th 
Street 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 31st day of January, 2001.

WASHINGTON UTILITIES AND TRANSPORTATION COMMISSION



       CAROLE J.WASHBURN, Secretary