BEFORE THE WASHINGTON UTILITIES AND TRANSPORTATION COMMISSION
THE BURLINGTON NORTHERN                   )         DOCKET NO. TR-000648 
AND SANTA FE RAILROAD                    )
COMPANY                                               )         ORDER GRANTING 
PETITION TO 
                                                        )         UPGRADE 
WARNING DEVICES AND 
                          Petitioner,                     )         TRAIN 
DETECTION CIRCUITRY 
                                                        )         AT WILLIS 
STREET
KENT, WASHINGTON                             )
                                                        )         WUTC 1E 16.60
                          Respondent                    )         DOT 085640K
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
.   )
BACKGROUND
                  On May 1, 2000, the Burlington Northern and Santa Fe Railroad 
Company filed a petition with the Commission, seeking authority to upgrade 
warning devices and train detection circuitry at a grade crossing. The crossing 
is located at the intersection of the petitioner's tracks and Willis Street in 
the NE 1/4 of the SE 1/4 of Section 24, Township 22N, Range 4E, W.M. in Kent, 
Washington.
                  Respondent has consented to an entry of an order by the 
Commission without further notice or hearing.
DISCUSSION 
                  Petitioner maintains two mainline tracks through the 
crossing. Current daily train traffic through Willis Street includes 36 freight 
trains and 8 passenger trains, running at a maximum speed of 40 mph. The 
proposed upgrades are associated with anticipated increases in train speeds and 
the future operation of commuter rail service between Seattle and Tacoma that 
will increase the number of trains as well as account for trains traveling at 
varied speeds through the crossing. 
                 
                  The crossing is equipped with old-style cantilever-mounted 
flashing lights and gates. The petitioner proposes to replace the warning 
devices with walk-out type cantilever- mounted signals and new gate mechanisms, 
and install constant warning train detection circuitry. The new circuitry 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. Circuitry will also be installed and 
activated to provide advance preemption for nearby traffic lights. The 
preemption circuitry will allow vehicle queues that begin at the traffic signal 
and extend back through the crossing to clear the tracks before the arrival of 
a train. In preparation for the anticipated increases in train speeds and 
volumes in the vicinity, the new equipment will contribute to a more reliable 
warning system at the crossing.
             
                  The City of Kent has expressed interest in grade separating 
the Willis Street crossing, subject to future availability of funding for 
construction. 
                  Commission Staff have investigated the petition and have 
recommended that the petition be approved, subject to specified conditions.
                  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
                  THE COMMISSION GRANTS the petition of the Burlington Northern 
and Santa Fe Railroad Company for upgrades to the warning devices at the grade 
crossing located at the intersection of the petitioner's tracks and Willis 
Street in Kent, Washington, subject to the following conditions:
                  1) The upgrades must conform to the plans filed in this 
proceeding.
                  2) Warning devices must comply with all applicable standards 
specified in the U.S. Department of Transportation Manual On Uniform Traffic 
Control Devices.
                  3) Prior to installation of the new equipment, petitioner 
must coordinate with Commission Staff to assess the possibility of reusing the 
equipment being replaced at other grade crossings in the State.
                  4) Upon completion of the upgrades authorized herein, 
petitioner must report completion to the Commission. Acceptance of the changes 
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.
         Dated at Olympia, Washington, and effective this 30th day of August, 
2000.
WASHINGTON UTILITIES AND TRANSPORTATION COMMISSION
                                                              CAROLE J. 
WASHBURN, Secretary