Washington commission approves funds for crossing upgrades

The Washington Utilities and Transportation Commission (UTC) recently approved allocating $20,000 from the Grade Crossing Protective Fund to help pay for upgrades to a BNSF Railway Co. grade crossing in Washougal.

To be completed by February 2013, the work calls for installing pedestrian sidewalks on the west side of the crossing to provide a continuous smooth walking surface across the tracks. The crossing averages about 10,000 vehicles, including 13 school buses.
 
The city of Washougal will provide $56,094 for the $76,094 project.