Washington utilities commission approves funds for four crossings

Washington state regulators approved funds to improve safety at three railroad crossings in Mason County, as well as a crossing in Columbia County. The Washington Utilities and Transportation Commission (UTC) approved more than $15,000 to Simpson Timber Co. from the Grade Crossing Protective Fund (GCPF) to upgrade warning devices at three grade crossings in the city of Shelton. Simpson will replace flashing incandescent lights mounted on the cantilever with long-lasting, energy-efficient flashing LED lights, replace cross-buck signs, upgrade the power-off lights and install an electronic bell, which all improve visibility in bad weather. The three railroad crossings to be improved are at the intersections of State Route 3 (SR-3) and First St., Railroad Ave. and Eleventh St. and Seventh St. The upgrades must be completed by June 15. State funding from the GCPF will not exceed $15,446.70 for all three projects. The UTC also approved funds to improve the safety at a railroad crossing in Columbia County. Simpson Timber Co. will upgrade the warning signals and cross-buck signs at a grade crossing on Dayton/Airport Rd. in the city of Dayton. The company will replace incandescent lights with energy-efficient, long-lasting type flashing lights, upgrade the power-off light and install an electronic bell all to improve visibility in bad weather. The upgrades must be completed by June 15. State GCPF funding is limited to $4,756.90 for the project.