BEFORE THE WASHINGTON UTILITIES AND TRANSPORTATION COMMISSION

THE BURLINGTON NORTHERN ) DOCKET NO.  TR-000219
SANTA FE RAILWAY  )
COMPANY ) ORDER GRANTING PETITION TO
 ) UPGRADE TRAIN DETECTION
Petitioner, ) CIRCUITRY AT 5TH STREET NW
 )
PUYALLUP, WASHINGTON  )
 ) WUTC  1E 32.05
Respondent ) DOT   085699A
.   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .    )

BACKGROUND

1 On February 15, 2000, the Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railway Company filed 
a petition with the   Commission, seeking authority to upgrade the train 
detection circuitry at a grade crossing, located at the  intersection of the 
petitioner’s tracks and 5th Street NW in Puyallup, Washington.  

2 Respondent has consented to an entry of an order by the Commission without 
further notice or hearing.

DISCUSSION

3 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  
constant warning circuitry to improve the overall warning system at the 
crossing.

4 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.  The 
upgrades to the detection  circuitry will not affect the warning devices or 
warning times for motorists at the crossing.  In addition to the  circuitry 
upgrades, petitioner plans to widen the track centers at the crossing (i.e., 
the distance between the  two tracks at the crossing) to 18 feet.  The widening 
is related to the construction of a commuter rail station to  the north of the 
crossing that requires additional track clearance.  The existing warning 
signals will have to be  relocated to accommodate the track widening.

5 Commission Staff investigated the petition and recommend the petition be 
approved, subject to specified  conditions.

6 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

7 THE COMMISSION GRANTS the petition of the Burlington Northern Santa Fe 
Railway Company for  upgrades to train detection circuitry at a grade crossing, 
located at the intersection of the petitioner’s tracks  and 5th Street NW in 
Puyallup, 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, 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 changes  are in full 
compliance with law and regulation, and the conditions specified herein.

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

WASHINGTON UTILITIES AND TRANSPORTATION COMMISSION





CAROLE J. WASHBURN, Secretary