OLYMPIA — Federal and state investigators will inspect railroad tracks along the Columbia River Gorge between Vancouver and Pasco this week.
A news release from the Washington State Utilities and Transportation Commission said two of that agency’s federally certified track inspectors will work with inspectors from the Federal Railroad Administration to examine the BNSF Railway tracks along the Washington side of the Columbia River. Oregon Department of Transportation inspectors will aid in the inspection of Union Pacific lines on its side of the river.
The agencies are conducting the inspections to be assured federal track safety standards are met.
Among its many other functions, the Washington commission regulates railroad safety, including the approval of new grade crossings and the alteration or closing of existing crossings.