BEFORE THE WASHINGTON UTILITIES AND TRANSPORTATION COMMISSION

THE BURLINGTON NORTHERN ) DOCKET NO.  TR-000220
SANTA FE RAILWAY  )
COMPANY ) ORDER GRANTING PETITION TO
 ) UPGRADE TRAIN DETECTION
Petitioner, ) CIRCUITRY AT 7TH STREET NW
 )
PUYALLUP, WASHINGTON  )
 ) WUTC  1E 32.20
Respondent ) DOT   085700S
.   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .    )

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 7th 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 volumes 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.

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 7th Street NW in 
Puyallup, Washington, subject to the following conditions:

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

 2) 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