Cascade and Columbia River Railroad obtains grant for crossing safety projects

Washington state regulators last month approved $12,000 in grant funding for the Cascade and Columbia River Railroad to improve rail crossings in Chelan and Okanogan counties.

The state's Utilities and Transportation Commission (UTC) approved the Grade Crossing Protective Fund grants to add LED warning lights, crossbuck sign replacements and new crossing arms at six crossings.

The upgrades will improve crossing safety by providing greater signal reliability and visibility for drivers and pedestrians, commission officials said in a press release.

Improvements must be completed by Dec. 31. The railroad will cover project costs that exceed the grant funds.

The UTC regulates railroad safety, including approving new grade crossings and closing or altering existing rail crossings.

To learn more about efforts to improve grade crossings, read this article in Progressive Railroading's January issue.