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BNSF fined for railroad crossing defects in Whatcom, Skagit counties

STAFF; THE BELLINGHAM HERALD
Published: Feb. 25, 2013 at 5:23 p.m. PST
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BNSF Railway Co. has been fined $105,000 for not repairing railroad crossing defects in Whatcom and Skagit counties.

The Washington Utilities and Transportation Commission announced the penalty Monday, Feb. 25, after determining BNSF didn't fix the defects at seven crossings. The commission sent the railroad company a letter in December 2012 outlining the problems and asking they be fixed or develop a plan to do so.

A Jan. 29 inspection showed no repairs had been made at the sites, some of which the company had committed to repairing almost two years ago, according to the UTC.

The UTC did not specify which crossings. The Bellingham Herald has requested more information from the agency.

BNSF has 15 days to request a hearing, ask for a fine reduction or pay the entire amount.

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