BEFORE THE WASHINGTON UTILITIES AND TRANSPORTATION COMMISSION
THE BURLINGTON NORTHERN                 )         DOCKET NO. TR-000651 
AND SANTA FE RAILROAD                   )
COMPANY                                              )         ORDER GRANTING 
PETITION TO 
                                                       )         MODIFY WARNING 
DEVICES 
                          Petitioner,                    )         AT SMITH 
STREET
                                                       )
KENT, WASHINGTON                            )
                                                       )         WUTC 1E 16.17
                          Respondent                   )         DOT 085633A
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . )
BACKGROUND
                  On May 1, 2000, the Burlington Northern and Santa Fe Railroad 
Company filed a petition with the Commission, seeking authority to modify 
warning devices at a grade crossing. The crossing is located at the 
intersection of the petitioner's tracks and Smith Street 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 Smith Street includes 36 freight 
trains and 8 passenger trains, running at a maximum speed of 40 mph. The 
modification is associated with anticipated increases in train speeds in the 
vicinity 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 cantilever-mounted flashing 
lights and gates. The petitioner proposes to replace the existing gate 
mechanisms with new equipment. In anticipation of increased train speeds and 
volumes in the vicinity, the new equipment will contribute to a more reliable 
warning system at the crossing.
                  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 the modification of warning devices at the 
grade crossing located at the intersection of the petitioner's tracks and Smith 
Street in Kent, Washington, subject to the following conditions:
                  1) The changes to warning devices 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 modification 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