BEFORE THE WASHINGTON UTILITIES AND TRANSPORTATION COMMISSION

THE BURLINGTON NORTHERN ) DOCKET NO.  TR-000211
SANTA FE RAILWAY   )
COMPANY ) ORDER GRANTING PETITION TO
 ) UPGRADE WARNING DEVICES
Petitioner, )  AT 52nd STREET EAST
 ) 
PIERCE COUNTY  )
 ) WUTC  1E 35.20
Respondent ) DOT  085706H
.   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .    )

BACKGROUND

1 On February 15, 2000, the Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railway Company filed 
a petition with the   Commission, seeking authority to upgrade warning devices 
at a grade crossing, located at the intersection of  the petitioner’s tracks 
and 52nd Street East, in the NE 1/4 of the NE 1/4 of Section 24, Township 20 
N,  Range 3E, W.M.  

2 Respondent has consented to an entry of an order by the Commission without 
further notice or hearing.   Funding for this project is though an agreement 
between the parties.

DISCUSSION

3 In the vicinity of the crossing, 52nd Street East is classified as a minor 
arterial road, with one lane for each  direction of traffic and a vehicle speed 
limit of 35 mph.  Average daily traffic through the crossing is estimate at  
3,325 vehicles, including 166 trucks and 40 school bus trips.

4 Petitioner maintains two main tracks through the crossing.  Average daily 
train traffic consists of 40 trains,  including 8 passenger trains and 32 
freight trains.  Maximum train speeds are 65 mph and 50 mph   respectively. 

5 The upgrades are associated with proposed train speed increases and the 
addition of commuter rail operations  in the vicinity.  Due to expected 
increases in the volume and speeds of trains, petitioner proposes to upgrade  
the constant warning circuitry and warning devices to improve the overall 
warning system at the crossing.

6 The new equipment will allow for improved train detection, including the 
ability to detect trains approaching the crossing at various speeds and adjust 
the timing for the associated warning signals accordingly.  Warning devices at 
the crossing consist of cantilevered flashing light signals and gates. In 
addition to the circuitry upgrades, petitioner proposes to replace the old gate 
mechanisms with new equipment.  The upgrades to the detection circuitry will 
not affect the warning devices or warning times for motorists at the crossing.


7 Commission Staff investigated the petition and recommend 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 Burlington Northern Santa Fe 
Railway Company for  upgrades to warning devices at a grade crossing, located 
at the intersection of the petitioner’s tracks and 52nd  Street East in Pierce 
County, Washington, subject to the following conditions:

 1) The upgrades 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) Traffic control devices must comply with all applicable standards specified 
the U.S. Department of   Transportation Manual On Uniform Traffic Control 
Devices.

 4) Upon completion of the upgrades specified herein, petitioner must notify 
the Commission.  Acceptance of  the installations is subject to a compliance 
inspection and report by Commission Staff, verifying that changes  are in full 
compliance with law and regulation, and the conditions specified herein.

10 Dated at Olympia, Washington, and effective this 14th day of March, 2001.

WASHINGTON UTILITIES AND TRANSPORTATION COMMISSION





CAROLE J. WASHBURN, Secretary