BEFORE THE WASHINGTON UTILITIES AND TRANSPORTATION COMMISSION



In the Matter of the Petition of    )
)
THE BURLINGTON NORTHERN  ) DOCKET NO. TR-001375
      AND SANTA FE RAILWAY CO. )
)
for Exemption From Close Clearance Rules  ) ORDER GRANTING PETITION
)     FOR EXEMPTION FROM    
) CLEARANCE RULES
) 
………………………………………………………)   

BACKGROUND

On September 7, 2000, The Burlington Northern and Santa Fe Railway Co. 
(Railroad) filed a petition requesting an exemption from the side clearance 
rules in WAC 480-60-050 to construct a temporary fence at the proposed Sound 
Transit station to be located at Sumner, Washington.  The station will be 
immediately south of Maple Street between Mile Post 28.9X and 29.2X.

DISCUSSION

Staff investigated this petition.  The station is needed for Sound Transit to 
operate effectively.  A fence is needed between the two main line tracks to 
prevent passengers from walking across the tracks at unsafe locations.  
Although the distance between the tracks will be widened, they are currently 
not far enough apart to accommodate a fence that complies with the side 
clearance rules.  Clearance from the easterly track is within the rules; 
however, clearance from the westerly track will be 8 feet rather than the 
required 8 feet 6 inches.

Switching does not occur within the area where the fence is located.  Employees 
should not ride the sides of trains in the area.  So long as signs are posted 
on the fence indicating the close clearance, and the timetable contains notice 
of the close clearance, a safety problem should not arise.  

  Staff recommends the petition be approved.

FINDINGS

 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 railroad for an exemption from side 
clearance rules set forth in WAC 480-60-050 for a fence installed at the Sound 
Transit station in Sumner, Washington on the following conditions:

 1.  Signs warning employees of the close side clearance must be maintained at 
each end of the fence.

 2.  The Burlington Northern and Santa Fe Railway Co. timetable or 
Superintendent’s Bulletin must include notice of the close side clearance.


Dated at Olympia, Washington, and effective this 11th day of April, 2001.

  WASHINGTON UTILITIES AND TRANSPORTATION COMMISSION



CAROLE J. WASHBURN, Secretary