Washington state panel OKs funds for crossing upgrades

The Washington state Utilities and Transportation Commission (UTC) has approved $70,805 from the state's Grade Crossing Protective Fund (GCPF) to improve pedestrian safety in downtown Marysville. 

The project involves installing about 850 feet of tamper-resistant metal fencing between a BNSF Railway Co. right of way and Cedar Street, from First to Fourth streets.

The initiative aims to improve public safety by reducing trespassing incidents and channeling pedestrians toward signalized railroad crossings, according to an UTC news release. 

The need for the upgrades was identified following several pedestrian near-misses and a fatality in the area, UTC officials said. The new fencing is expected to reduce the risk of future incidents by restricting unauthorized access to the tracks.