Washington grant to fund crossing upgrade on BNSF track

The Washington Utilities and Transportation Commission has approved a $10,000 grant to make rail safety upgrades near a railroad crossing and track in King County, Wash.

The grant was provided through the Grade Crossing Protective Fund at the request of the city of Auburn, Wash. BNSF Railway Co. owns the tracks involved in the project.

The city requested $10,306 to extend safety fencing along the city's right-of-way at B Street NW to the West Main Street crossing in Auburn. Additional fencing will also be installed on the city's right-of-way on both sides of the railroad tracks at 2nd Street NW, just north of the West Main Street crossing.

The track area involved has a history of four pedestrian and train incidents since 2007, including three fatalities, according to a commission press release.

The fencing will be used to prevent pedestrians from walking on the track and direct them to the West Main Street crossing, which is equipped with active railroad warning devices.

The upgrades must be completed by May 1, 2017. The city will provide ongoing maintenance of the fencing.