Washington Utilities and Transportation Commission Makes $25,000 Available for Improvements to Pend Oreille Rail Crossing

Port of Pend Oreille

LACEY, Wash. – The Washington State Utilities and Transportation Commission (UTC) has awarded $25,000 from the Grade Crossing Protective Fund (GCPF) to the Pend Oreille Railroad for safety improvements at the State Route 20 railroad crossing near Usk in Pend Oreille County. 

The project will be led by the Port of Pend Oreille and Pend Oreille Valley Railroad (POVA), and will reconstruct the rural crossing where State Route 20 meets the tracks. The improvements will address long-standing safety concerns, including a deep dip in the roadway and poor drainage that create hazards for drivers, school buses, snowplows, and emergency responders. 

The project will cost $150,000 and the Port of Pend Oreille will contribute the $125,000. Construction is expected to take place during summer 2026, and should take about six to eight weeks to finish. On-site construction will require about a week. Potential traffic disruptions during construction will be managed by Pend Oreille County, officials from the Washington Department of Transportation, and other entities.

The GCPF was created in 1969 by the Washington State Legislature to fund safety improvements to reduce fatalities and accidents at public and private rail crossings.

Railroad safety, including approving new rail crossings or closing or altering existing crossings, inspecting railroad crossings, endorsing safety projects, investigating train accidents is regulated by UTC. Promoting rail safety education is handled by Washington Operation Lifesaver (WAOL).