BEFORE THE WASHINGTON UTILITIES AND TRANSPORTATION COMMISSION



MARYSVILLE, WASHINGTON

                                      Petitioner,

THE BURLINGTON NORTHERN SANTA FE RAILROAD COMPANY

                                      Respondent
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	)	DOCKET NO. TR-010100
		
		ORDER GRANTING PETITION FOR RECONSTRUCTION OF A GRADE CROSSING AT STATE STREET
		
		
		D.O.T.             092077P
		
		W.U.T.C. 1AC .02

BACKGROUND

1 On January 23, 2001, the City of Marysville filed a petition with the 
Commission, seeking authority to reconstruct a grade crossing.  The crossing is 
located at the intersection of State Street and the respondent’s tracks, in the 
NE ¼ of the NW ¼ of Section 9, Township 30N, Range 5E, W.M., in Marysville, 
Washington.

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

 DISCUSSION

3 In the vicinity of the crossing, State Street is classified as a principal 
arterial road, consisting of two lanes and a vehicle speed limit of 35 mph.  
Average daily traffic through the crossing is estimated at approximately 13,790 
vehicles, including 241 trucks and 38 school bus trips.  Average daily traffic 
is expected to increase to 19,306 vehicles by 2010.

4 Respondent maintains one branch-line track through the crossing.  The BNSF 
tracks cross State Street at  approximately a 45 degree angle, resulting in a 
crossing surface that exceeds 200 feet in length.  Current train  traffic 
averages 2 freight trains per day, traveling at maximum speeds of 10 mph.  

5 The crossing is equipped with cantilever-mounted flashing light signals.  The 
petitioner plans to implement  roadway improvements in the vicinity, that 
include widening State Street by approximately 20 feet and   constructing a 
third lane. The additional lane will serve as a turning option along State 
Street, however, a  raised median placed in the center lane on the south side 
of the crossing will disallow vehicles from utilizing the  third lane through 
the crossing, thereby allowing the use of only two lanes across the tracks.

6 In addition to the roadway improvements, the petitioner proposes to replace 
the existing “old-style” cantilever-mounted signals with new equipment.  Train 
activation devices at the crossing will also be upgraded.


7 Commission Staff investigated the petition and recommend the petition be 
granted, subject to specified conditions.

8 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

9 THE COMMISSION GRANTS the petition of the City of Marysville for the 
reconstruction of  a highway-rail grade crossing, located at the intersection 
of State Street and the tracks of the Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railroad 
Company, in Marysville, Washington, subject to the following conditions:

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

2) The crossing must be hard-surfaced between the 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 outermost rails at the 
crossing must be level. 

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

5) All equipment must be installed in such a manner as to provide required 
clearances for both rail and vehicular traffic.  

6) Upon completion of the reconstruction 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.

11 Dated at Olympia, Washington, and effective this 14th day of February, 2001.

 THE WASHINGTON UTILITIES AND TRANSPORTATION COMMISSION



       CAROLE J.WASHBURN, Secretary