Washougal Advances Design for 32nd St Rail Crossing Project

City selects overcrossing option to improve safety and reduce traffic delays caused by frequent train blockages.

Published on Mar. 6, 2026

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The city of Washougal, Washington is advancing an overcrossing design for the 32nd Street Rail Crossing Project, aiming to transform a critical quarter mile segment of 32nd Street into a modern, mixed-use roadway without a rail crossing conflict. The overcrossing design was selected over an undercrossing option due to lower risk, cost, and construction time.

Why it matters

The 32nd Street rail crossing is one of the busiest in Washington, with an average of 32 trains and 5,728 vehicles crossing the Burlington Northern Sante Fe (BNSF) railroad tracks daily. Frequent train blockages at the crossing create traffic backups and safety risks, which the overcrossing project aims to address.

The details

After evaluating both an undercrossing and overcrossing design, the city determined the overcrossing option has significantly less risk, making it the most cost-effective choice. The undercrossing design posed increased potential for unexpected costs and barriers to project completion. The overcrossing design also allows for a shorter and more reliable construction schedule, improved pedestrian access, and fewer commercial property acquisitions.

  • In March 2026, the city of Washougal selected the overcrossing design for the 32nd Street Rail Crossing Project.
  • The city will evaluate the impacts of the overcrossing design as part of an environmental analysis under the National Environmental Protect Act (NEPA) and share results at an Open House later this spring.

The players

City of Washougal

The local government of Washougal, Washington, leading the 32nd Street Rail Crossing Project.

Burlington Northern Sante Fe (BNSF)

The railroad company that operates the tracks crossing 32nd Street in Washougal.

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What’s next

Once complete, the 32nd St Rail Crossing Project will improve safety, eliminate railroad crossing delays, reduce emissions, add capacity for a future third railroad track, and minimize flood risk with improved stormwater infrastructure.

The takeaway

The 32nd Street rail crossing project in Washougal highlights the challenges cities face in balancing transportation needs, public safety, and infrastructure costs. By selecting the overcrossing design, Washougal aims to address longstanding issues at this critical juncture while minimizing risks and expenses.