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 Ľ of the NW Ľ 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