Walla Walla County in Washington received approval of rail crossing safety upgrades

Written by David C. Lester, Editor-in-Chief
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Washington state regulators approved  $96,348  in  grant funding  for  safety upgrades at railroad  crossings  in Walla Walla County.

The Washington Utilities and Transportation Commission authorized seven Grade Crossing Protective Fund (GCPF) grants to replace outdated crossing signal batteries and chargers along the Columbia-Walla Walla Railroad. The projects include:

  • $11,231 at Last Chance Road in Walla Walla.
  • $11,231 at Tietan Street in Walla Walla.
  • $14,510 at Myra Road in Walla Walla.
  • $11,231 at Poplar Street in Walla Walla.
  • $19,272 at Chestnut Street in Walla Walla.
  • $17,642 at Rose Street in Walla Walla.
  • $11,231 at Wallula Avenue in College Place.

These improvements will enhance the reliability of the crossing signals and increase the safety of roadway users.

Rail-highway grade crossing warning sign (commons.wikimedia.org)

In 1969, the Legislature created the GCPF program to provide funding 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 rail crossings and closing or altering existing crossings, investigating train accidents, inspecting railroad crossings, approving safety projects, and promoting rail safety education through Operation Lifesaver.

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