Why is the City doing this Project?

The City received  federal funding through the Washington State Department of Transportation's Railway-Highway crossings program to improve pedestrian, bicycle, and vehicle safety at the 9th Street Railroad Crossing.

 Currently there are no sidewalks crossing the tracks at this location, and pedestrians must enter into the paved lane or walk out onto the gravel shoulder and step over rails to cross.

What will the Project include?

This project will improve safety for all users by  by clearly defining their crossing routes; installing a four-quadrant gate signal system with pedestrian gates for positive protection, clear routes (concrete walkways over the tracks & connecting to existing sidewalks where applicable), installing curb ramps, improving signage, pavement markings, and illumination.

What to expect?

BNSF will be constructing the railroad portion of the improvements which will include the four quadrant gate signal system and the pedestrian gates. They will also be constructing new concrete rail platforms around the tracks to accommodate the new pedestrian crossing. Work on the concrete platforms was completed in January of 2026, work on the rail gate signal system is scheduled for April of 2026.

The City will come in after to complete the remaining roadway project improvements, work is expected to start in early summer.

The crossing will be closed for a period of time during construction and a detour will be put in place.

Timeline

Last Updated: March 2026