Washington state panel OKs grant for BNSF crossing improvements

The Washington State Utilities and Transportation Commission has approved $11,752 in grant funding for upgrades to a BNSF Railway Co. crossing in Thurston County.

The grant was issued at the request of the Thurston County Public Works Department through the state's Grade Crossing Protective Fund. BNSF, which owns the track, agreed to the request, commission officials said in a press release.

The funds will pay for upgrades to the warning signs approaching the crossing, which has a reduced clearance for highway vehicles of 12 feet, 6 inches. In 2019, it was the site of six vehicle strikes and 26 instances of vehicles blocking traffic because they were unable to pass through.

Up to 9,000 vehicles pass under the bridge each day. Currently, 44 freight trains and 20 passenger trains use the crossing daily.

The upgrades must be completed by June 30, commission officials said.