Washington state UTC OKs funding for crossing upgrades

Washington state's Utilities and Transportation Commission (UTC) last week approved $96,348 in grants for grade crossing improvements in Walla Walla County.

Seven grants from the state's Grade Crossing Protective Fund will be used to replace outdated crossing signal batteries and chargers along the Columbia-Walla Walla Railroad, UTC officials said in a press release. The upgrades will make the signals safer and more reliable.

The grant amounts and crossing locations are:

• $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; and
• $11,231 at Wallula Avenue in College Place.

The UTC regulates railroad safety in the state.