Washington State's Utilities and Transportation Commission (UTC) recently approved more than $250,000 in Grade Crossing Protective Funds (GCPF) for safety upgrades at a rail crossing on an established oil train route in the City of Millwood, Wash.
The city requested a total of $254,333 to complete long-term safety improvements at its Marguerite Street railroad crossing, which has been identified by UTC rail safety staff as a priority under-protected crossing along an oil route. The current railroad warning devices at the crossing consist of crossbucks and advance warning signs. Sight distance down the tracks is also limited by the grade on the north approach.
The new safety upgrades will include warning devices with flashing LED lights and gates, as well as a concrete crossing surface. The upgrades will cost an estimated $445,810.
The GCPF grant will cover the cost of installing active warning devices with flashing LED lights and gates.
The City of Millwood will fund $191,477 to complete a new concrete crossing surface, an Americans with Disabilities Act compliant sidewalk, and curb and gutter on both sides of the crossing. The city will also be responsible for all additional costs associated with the project. The project must be completed by June 15, 2017.
Marguerite Street, a two-lane road with a posted speed limit of 25 miles per hour, sees a daily average of 1,517 vehicles cross the track, including two school buses. Union Pacific Railroad (UP), which operates up to six freight trains daily, has experienced numerous close call incidents where drivers and pedestrians have crossed directly in front of oncoming trains.
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.