BEFORE THE WASHINGTON UTILITIES AND TRANSPORTATION COMMISSION

THE BURLINGTON NORTHERN ) DOCKET NO.  TR-000655
SANTA FE RAILROAD  )
COMPANY    ) ORDER GRANTING PETITION TO UPGRADE
     ) WARNING DEVICES AND TRAIN DETECTION
   Petitioner, ) CIRCUITRY AT HORTON STREET
     )
 vs.    )
     ) WUTC: 1E 1.66
SEATTLE, WASHINGTON  )
     ) DOT:  085585M
   Respondent )
.   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   )

BACKGROUND

  On May 1, 2000, the Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railroad Company filed a
petition with the Commission, seeking authority to upgrade the warning devices 
and train detection circuitry at a grade crossing.  The crossing is located at 
the intersection of the petitioner’s tracks and Horton Street at railroad mile 
post 1.50, in Seattle, Washington.

  Respondent has consented to Commission jurisdiction for this filing, pursuant 
to RCW 81.53.291, and an entry of an order by the Commission without further 
notice or hearing.  

  
DISCUSSION

 The crossing currently consists of two main-line tracks and one siding track.  
The petitioner plans to install a third main track at a future date.  Daily 
train traffic through the crossing includes 8 passenger trains and 36 freight 
trains, both operating at maximum speeds of 20 mph.  The proposed upgrades are 
associated with the future addition of commuter rail service through the 
crossing.

  The crossing is equipped with shoulder-mounted flashing light signals and 
gates.  Petitioner proposes to replace the existing equipment with new signals 
and gate mechanisms, and to install constant warning train detection equipment 
that will allow for improved train detection, including the ability to detect 
trains approaching the crossing at various speeds and adjust the timing for the 
warning signals accordingly.  In preparation for the anticipated increases in 
train volumes in the vicinity that will include different trains traversing 
over the crossing at various speeds, the new equipment will contribute to a 
more reliable warning system at the crossing.

  Commission Staff  investigated the petition and 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.

ORDER

  THE COMMISSION GRANTS the petition of the Burlington Northern Santa Fe 
Railroad Company for the upgrade of warning devices, and the installation of 
constant warning train detection equipment at the grade crossing located at the 
intersection of the petitioner’s tracks and Horton Street in Seattle, 
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) Upon completion of the upgrades and installations authorized herein, 
petitioner must report completion to the Commission.  Acceptance of the changes 
is subject to a compliance inspection 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 25th day of October, 2000.

  WASHINGTON UTILITIES AND TRANSPORTATION COMMISSION



        CAROLE J. WASHBURN
        Secretary