advertisement

---

The Washington Utilities and Transportation Commission (UTC) recently approved allocating $20,000 from the Grade Crossing Protective Fund to BNSF Railway Co. to close one private grade crossing and improve an alternate crossing in Conway, Wash. Each day, 14 freight trains traveling up to 60 mph and four passenger trains traveling up to 79 mph pass through the crossing.
 
BNSF will use the proceeds to improve the alternate crossing’s skewed angle and reduce the crossing’s approach grade.

“This will eliminate the possibility of a vehicle getting high centered and stuck on the crossing,” UTC officials said in a prepared statement.

The project is estimated to cost more than $69,000; BNSF will provide $49,000. The upgrades must be completed by April 1, 2012, UTC officials said.