BEFORE THE WASHINGTON UTILITIES AND TRANSPORTATION COMMISSION

THE BURLINGTON           ) DOCKET NO.  TR-001522
SANTA FE RAILROAD  )
COMPANY    ) ORDER GRANTING PETITION TO 
     ) RECONSTRUCT A GRADE CROSSING
  Petitioner,  ) AT GREENLEAF AVENUE
     )
BURLINGTON, WASHINGTON )  
     ) DOT:  084764A
  Respondent  )
     ) WUTC: 2B 71.90
.   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   . )

BACKGROUND

  On October 6, 2000, the Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railroad Company filed
a petition with the Commission, seeking authority to reconstruct a grade 
crossing.  The crossing is located at the intersection of Greenleaf Avenue and 
the petitioner’s tracks in the SE 1/4 of the SW 1/4 of Section 32, Township 
35N, Range 4E, W.M., in Burlington, Washington.

  Respondent has consented to an entry of an Order by the Commission without 
further notice or hearing.

DISCUSSION

  In the vicinity of the crossing, Greenleaf Avenue is classified as a minor 
collector, 
consisting of two lanes and a vehicle speed limit of 25 mph.  Average daily 
traffic through the crossing is estimated at 3,483 vehicles.

  Respondent maintains one main-line track and one siding track through the 
crossing.  Current daily train traffic averages 12 trains, including 10 freight 
trains and two commuter trains. The maximum timetable speeds for trains in the 
vicinity is 50 mph for freight trains and 79 mph for passenger trains.

  The crossing is currently equipped with cantilever-mounted flashing light 
signals and gates.  The Petitioner proposes to install another track through 
the crossing, bringing the total number of tracks to three.  The new track will 
be designated as the main track and the existing main track will become a 
switching track for freight trains.  The addition of the new main track will 
increase the efficiency of AMTRAK passenger operations through the vicinity.  
The new track will be located between the existing tracks, which are 
approximately 70 feet apart (from track centers).  The existing tracks will not 
have to be moved in order to accommodate the new track. The proposal also 
includes the installation of  64 feet long, concrete crossing surfaces where 
the new track will cross Greenleaf Avenue and on the existing main track, which 
is located on the west side of the crossing and is currently surfaced with 
asphalt. 


  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, is in the public interest, and direct the Secretary to issue 
the Order.

ORDER

  THE COMMISSION GRANTS the petition of the Burlington Northern Santa Fe
Railroad Company for the reconstruction of a  highway-rail grade crossing, 
located at the intersection of Greenleaf Avenue and the petitioner’s tracks in 
Burlington, Washington, subject to the following conditions:

  1) The reconstruction must conform to the plans filed in this proceeding.

  2) The crossing must be hard surfaced between rails and for a distance of at 
least one foot outside each rail for the full width of the traveled roadway, 
including the shoulders.

  3) The roadway grade for 25 feet on each side of the centerline of the 
railway at the crossing must be level.

  4) The new track must be installed in such a manner as to provide required 
clearances for both rail and vehicular traffic.

  5) Traffic control devices, pavement markings, and advance warning signs must 
comply with all applicable standards specified in the U.S. Department of 
Transportation Manual On Uniform Traffic Control Devices.

  6)  Upon completion of the installation authorized herein, petitioner must 
notify the Commission.  Acceptance of the installation 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 25th day of October, 
2000.

WASHINGTON UTILITIES AND TRANSPORTATION COMMISSION


       CAROLE J. WASHBURN
       Secretary