Washington panel OKs funds for Newport grade crossing project

Rail News Home Safety 3/26/2020 Rail News: Safety
Funds will be used to install a pedestrian surface at a crossing at the intersection of Pine Street and Pend Oreille Valley Railroad tracks.Photo – Shutterstock

The Washington State Utilities and Transportation Commission (UTC) last week allocated $19,900 from its Grade Crossing Protective Fund to pay for safety improvements at a grade crossing in Newport, Washington. 

The funds will be used to install an accessible pedestrian surface at a crossing located at the intersection of Pine Street and Pend Oreille Valley Railroad tracks. The project must be completed by Dec. 31.

Newport officials requested the funds for the crossing improvements as part of a larger sidewalk project that is funded separately, UTC officials said in a press release. UTC is the state agency responsible for railroad safety.

Two freight trains operate over this crossing daily.