Washington approves crossing funds

Written by jrood

Washington state regulators approved funds to improve the safety at a railroad crossing in Washougal, Wash.

The Washington Utilities and Transportation Commission approved $20,000 from the Grade Crossing Protective Fund to pay for upgrades at a railroad-highway grade crossing at the intersection of 32nd St. and the BNSF tracks in the city of Washougal.

The railroad company is proposing to install pedestrian sidewalks on the west side of the railroad crossing. These improvements will increase the overall safety at the crossing because the public will have a continuous smooth walking surface to cross the tracks.

Thirty-second St. is a three-lane roadway with a speed limit of 25 miles per hour. Average number of vehicle traffic through the crossing is estimated at 10,000, which includes 13 school buses.

The upgrades must be completed by Feb. 1, 2013. State GCPF funding is limited to $20,000 for the project. The approximate cost of the project is $76,094. The city of Washougal will pay the difference of $56,094.

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