Media Contact: (360) 664-1116 or media@utc.wa.gov
Docket Numbers: TR-210226, TR-210596, TR-210617, TR-210664
UTC approves nearly $20,000 in rail safety upgrades across Washington
LACEY, Wash. – State regulators approved $19,576.52 in grant funding for safety upgrades at railroad crossings in Walla Walla, Columbia, Thurston, and King Counties.
The Utilities and Transportation Commission approved the Grade Crossing Protective Fund grants for four projects at the request of the Columbia-Walla Walla Railroad, City of Rainier, and the Northwest Railway Museum. The projects are:
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$5,802.46 to upgrade the batteries and chargers at the Prospect Avenue crossing south of Walla Walla.
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$7,375.41 to purchase railroad warning signs for 43 private crossings in Walla Walla and Columbia Counties.
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$400 to purchase supplies to refresh pavement markings for the Centre Street crossing in Rainier.
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$5,998.65 to upgrade batteries at the Meadowbrook Way crossing in Snoqualmie.
These upgrades will improve signal reliability and crossing visibility and will improve overall safety for roadway users.
The 1969 Legislature created the GCPF program to provide money for safety measures to reduce accidents and fatalities at public and private crossings and along railroad tracks.
The UTC regulates railroad safety, including approving new grade crossings and closing or altering existing rail crossings, investigating train accidents, inspecting public railroad crossings, approving safety projects and managing safety education through Operation Lifesaver.
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