BEFORE THE WASHINGTON UTILITIES AND TRANSPORTATION COMMISSION
THE BURLINGTON NORTHERN                )         DOCKET NO. TR-000653 
AND SANTA FE RAILROAD                   )
COMPANY                                              )         ORDER GRANTING 
PETITION TO 
                                                       )         UPGRADE 
WARNING DEVICES AT 
                          Petitioner,                    )         SOUTH 228TH 
STREET 
                                                       )         
KENT, WASHINGTON                            )
                                                       )         WUTC 1E 15.20
                          Respondent                   )         DOT 085627W
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   )
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 at a grade crossing. The crossing is located at the 
intersection of the petitioner's tracks and South 228 th Street in the in the 
NW 1/4 of the NW 1/4 of the NE 1/4 of Section 13, 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 three mainline tracks through the 
crossing. Current daily train traffic through South 228th Street includes 36 
freight trains and 8 passenger trains, running at maximum speeds of 50 mph and 
75 mph respectively. 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 existing 
equipment with walk-out type cantilever- mounted signals and new gate 
mechanisms. 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. 
                  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 South 228 
th 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