Washington commission OKs funds for safety project near BNSF line

The Washington Utilities and Transportation Commission (UTC) approved a $73,000 grant to the city of Puyallup to fund a project designed to improve pedestrian safety near a BNSF Railway Co. line.

The funds, from the Grade Crossing Protective Fund (GCPF), will be used to install 678 linear feet of six-foot tall mesh security fencing along the BNSF right of way at 15th Street NW, 17th Street NW and 19th Street NW. The UTC has supported similar safety improvements at railroad crossings across Washington, UTC officials said in a press release.

UTC informed Puyallup city staff about the availability of GCPF grants to fund trespassing prevention projects following a fatal incident on the BNSF line. Multiple fatalities and near misses due to trespassing have occurred at the site in recent years.

“The fencing will reduce trespassing and help guide pedestrians toward public, signalized railroad crossings,” said UTC officials.