Complex issues at rail and road junction in WA state

[CHamilton]

This is an unusual story: apparently local towns want to create a grade crossing in order to extend a road.

Judge says no to Center Parkway extension

Plans by the cities of Richland and Kennewick to extend Center Parkway across two rail tracks north to Tapteal Drive have hit a roadblock.
An administrative law judge with the Washington Utilities and Transportation Commission decided earlier this week to deny the proposal.
Pete Rogalsky, Richland's Public Works director, said the cities are almost certainly planning to appeal.
Center Parkway's proposed path is over two lines of rail owned by the Port of Benton, but leased by the Tri-City Railroad Co....
The 800 feet of new road is the last segment needed so the cities can finish a joint effort to connect roads in that area, Rogalsky said....
The Tri-City Railroad Co. opposed the proposal because it believes the city has not shown enough of a need, considering the inherent risks involved at a crossing where trains and vehicles meet, said Paul Petit, the company's general counsel.
While safety concerns can be mitigated, they can't be eliminated, he said. Tri-City Railroad is proud of being virtually accident-free and wants to keep it that way.