BEFORE THE WASHINGTON UTILITIES AND TRANSPORTATION COMMISSION

THE BURLINGTON NORTHERN ) DOCKET NO.  TR-000218
SANTA FE RAILWAY   )
COMPANY ) ORDER GRANTING PETITION TO
 ) UPGRADE WARNING DEVICES 
Petitioner, ) AT MERIDIAN STREET
 ) 
PUYALLUP, WASHINGTON  )
 ) WUTC  1E 31.80
Respondent ) DOT   085696E
.   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .    )

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 Meridian Street, in the SE 1/4 of the NE 1/4 of Section 28, Township 20 N, 
Range  4 E, W.M.  

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, Meridian Street is classified as a principal 
arterial road, with two lanes for each  direction of traffic and a vehicle 
speed limit of 25 mph.  Average daily traffic through the crossing is 
estimated  at 11,040 vehicles.

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 for both types of operations is 30  mph.

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 train volume and speeds, petitioner proposes to upgrade the  
warning devices to improve safety at the crossing.

6 The crossing is currently protected by old-style cantilever-mounted flashing 
light signals and gates.  Proposed  upgrades include replacing the existing 
equipment with new walk-out type cantilevers and gates, as well as  installing 
new train detection equipment that will allow for improved train detection and 
signal activation.  In  addition to the signal upgrades, petitioner plans to 
widen the track centers at the crossing (i.e., the distance  between the two 
tracks) to 18 feet.  The widening is related to the construction of a commuter 
rail station to  the south of the crossing that requires additional track 
clearance. 
 

7 Commission Staff investigated the petition and recommend the petition be 
approved, 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  Meridian Street in 
Puyallup, Washington, subject to the following conditions:

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

 2) Warning devices must be installed in such a manner as to provide required 
clearances for both rail and  vehicular traffic, and changes to track centers 
must conform to required track clearance standards.

 3) Traffic control devices, pavement markings, and advance warning signs 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 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 March, 2001.

WASHINGTON UTILITIES AND TRANSPORTATION COMMISSION




CAROLE J. WASHBURN
Secretary