Washington state approves funds for crossing safety improvements

State regulators have approved funding to improve safety at a railroad crossing in Tacoma. The Washington Utilities and Transportation Commission approved $20,000 from the Grade Crossing Protective Fund to Tacoma Rail to upgrade the warning signals at the intersection of 99th St. E. and the railroad company's tracks in the city of Tacoma. Tacoma Rail plans to use the funds to install long-lasting, energy-efficient flashing LED lights and motion-sensing train detection at the rail crossing. The railroad also will add pedestrian bells to both signal masts and replace the cross-buck signs. The total estimated cost of the project is $27,095. State GCPF funding is limited to $20,000. Ninety-ninth Street East is a two-lane road with an average of 3,375 vehicles crossing the railroad tracks each day. The project must be completed by June 15. State regulators also approved funding to improve safety at a railroad crossing in Yakima County. The Washington UTC approved $20,000 from the Grade Crossing Protective Fund for the city of Moxee to upgrade warning signals at the crossing located at Beaudry Road. In addition, a "No Right Turn" sign will be installed on nearby State Route 24 (SR-24). The city of Moxee plans to use the funds to install flashing LED lights and gates at the rail crossing. The city also proposes to improve safety at the crossing by tying in the new railroad warning signals with the nearby traffic signal on SR-24 to ensure that no traffic will back-up on tracks when a train is approaching the crossing. The total estimated cost of the project is $66,730. State GCPF funding is limited to $20,000.
Moxee is located almost eight miles southeast of Yakima in Yakima County. Beaudry Road is a two-lane road with an average of 3,900 vehicles crossing the railroad tracks each day. The project must be completed by June 30.