UTC approves rail safety funds for crossings in Walla Walla and Yakima Counties

Media contact: (360) 664-1116 or [email protected]
Docket number: TR-240574

LACEY, Wash.- State regulators approved over $17,000 in Grade Crossing Protective Fund (GCPF) grants for signs and security cameras at railroad crossings in Walla Walla and Yakima Counties.

CWW LCC (CWW) and Yak Rail LLC (Yak Rail) will use the funds to purchase "No Trespassing" signs and security cameras for crossings along their rail lines in Walla Walla and Yakima counties.

The goal is to reduce trespassing and increase safety. The new signs will warn pedestrians against trespassing on railroad property and enable local authorities to pursue action against trespassers, who may be identified on the security cameras. The cameras will also assist railroad personnel in identifying potential hazards on tracks and railroad property before trains pass through. Additionally, security cameras will capture train/vehicle collisions or accidents that occur at these crossings and provide railroad signal maintainers the ability to remotely view possible issues with the signal system.

Approval was granted with the condition that CWW and Yak Rail evaluate the effectiveness of the project, including collecting data on trespass incidents and how the railroads utilized information obtained through security cameras. The results must be provided to the UTC with any future application for similar GCPF funding.

In 1969, the Legislature created the GCPF program to provide funding 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 rail crossings and closing or altering existing crossings, investigating train accidents, inspecting railroad crossings, approving safety projects, and promoting rail safety education through Operation Lifesaver.