UTC approves nearly $20,000 for rail safety upgrades in Spokane

Media contact: 360-664-1116 or [email protected]   
Docket number: TR-240943

LACEY, Wash. - State regulators approved $19,450.29 in grant funding for safety upgrades to reduce trespassing and improve safety at Sunset Junction west of downtown Spokane.

The Utilities and Transportation Commission approved the Grade Crossing Protective Fund grant to purchase 470 feet of tamper-resistant fencing material and related hardware. BNSF Railway Company (BNSF) personnel will install the fencing at three locations in the Sunset Junction area where trespassing incidents often occur.

The project will close the three remaining access points to the BNSF tracks, addressing ongoing safety concerns, including law enforcement contacts, train delays, injuries, and fatalities.

The 1969 Legislature created the GCPF program to provide money for safety measures to reduce accidents and fatalities at public and private crossings and along railroad tracks.      

The UTC regulates railroad safety, including approving new grade crossings and closing or altering existing rail crossings, investigating train accidents, inspecting public railroad crossings, approving safety projects and managing safety education through Operation Lifesaver.   

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