In order to construct, close, or make any changes to a public railroad crossing, by law, a railroad or public agency (such as a city/county/state park) must file a petition with the UTC and receive approval (see RCW 81.53.030, RCW 81.53.060, RCW 81.53.261, and WAC 480-62-150). By filing a petition, the petitioner alleges that public safety requires the construction, closure, or modification at the crossing, and bears the burden of proof.
UTC staff’s primary duties related to petitions involve reviewing, evaluating, and making recommendations to the commission. Because UTC staff are not engineers, we participate as part of a diagnostic review team when evaluating proposed construction, closure, or changes to a crossing. The diagnostic review team is a multi-disciplinary team including the road authority (traffic engineer), and railroad (public projects, engineering, signals).
The Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD) is the national standard for traffic control devices adopted in 23 CFR Part 655.603. The UTC adopts the MUTCD by reference in WAC 480-62-999. The MUTCD states, in Part 8A.02, that because of the number of variables to be considered, no single standard system of traffic control devices is universally acceptable for all crossings. The appropriate traffic control system to be used should be determined by an engineering study involving the road authority and railroad. An engineering study consists of a review of site characteristics, the existing traffic control system, and highway and railroad operational characteristics. Based on a review of these conditions, an assessment of existing and potential hazards can be made. If safety deficiencies are identified, countermeasures can be recommended.
National warrants for the installation of flashing light signals have not been developed. The generally accepted guidelines at crossings are based on recommendations by the Technical Working Group established by the USDOT. (See: FHWA Railroad-Highway Grade Crossing Handbook – Treatment Selection Guidance.
Generally, the petition process works as follows:
*For 60 percent design, UTC staff assumes the standard meaning in the field of civil engineering/construction review process. There is no UTC definition for 60 percent design. In order to file the petition, the project should have progressed to the point that the principal parties have a clear understanding of, and agreement around, what the project will look like. The petitioner may file when the project has reached this point in design. The UTC evaluates the petition and bases its approval of the project on the contents of the petition and the design drawings attached to the petition.
For questions or information on rail crossing changes please contact rail@utc.wa.gov.