Millwood rail crossing on oil train route will get safety improvements

A Union Pacific rail crossing in Millwood will receive more than $450,000 in safety improvements.

The Washington Utilities and Transportation Commission approved the city of Millwood’s request for a $254,300 grant on Thursday. The money comes from the state’s Grade Crossing Protective Fund.

The rail crossing at Marguerite Street was identified by the state as an under-protected crossing along an oil train route. About 1,500 vehicles cross the rails there daily, including two school buses. As many as six UP freight trains use the tracks daily, including oil trains.

The railroad has reported close calls with vehicles and pedestrians. The crossing has warning devices, but the grade approaching the tracks limits sight distance, making it more difficult to vehicles to stop.

The grant will pay for crossing gates and warning devices with flashing lights. The city of Millwood will pay about $191,000 for a new crossing surface, curb, gutter and sidewalk.

The work must be completed by June 2017.