32nd Street Rail Crossing

Last Content Update: Tuesday, October 28, 2025

The 32nd Street Corridor is a vital connection between Washougal and SR-14. An average of 32 trains and 5,728 vehicles cross the Burlington Northern Sante Fe (BNSF) railroad tracks daily – making it one of the busiest rail crossings in Washington.

Trains frequently block the crossing, creating traffic backups and safety risks. The City is using a Progressive Design Build delivery method to design and construct enhancements that will transform this critical quarter mile segment of 32nd Street into a modern, mixed-use roadway without a rail crossing conflict.

Rendering of Proposed Underpass Configuration

Please note that underpass configuration may change as project design progresses

Project Benefits

Allow for unimpeded emergency access
Create safe options for people walking and rolling to travel and access commercial centers
Improve safety by separating trains from people driving, walking, and rolling
Eliminate railroad crossing delays
Add capacity for a future third railroad track to increase freight and economic opportunity
Reduce emissions from idling vehicles
Minimize flood risk with improved stormwater infrastructure

The City has secured more than $50 million in local, state and federal grant and appropriations support for the project, including:

$40 million federal Railroad Crossing Elimination (RCE) grant, the second highest RCE award in the country
$9.7 million in Move Ahead Washington funds
$100 thousand in Transportation Improvement Plan (TIP) regional funding

The City is seeking an additional $18.5 - $29.5 million in grant funding to fully fund the project.

Why Progressive Design Build (PDB)?

PDB is an efficient process for designing and building projects. In PDB, the City will select one contractor to design and construct the project, encouraging innovative design solutions and efficient construction methods. This allows for an iterative process where the City can refine the final scope, schedule, and costs of the contract deliverables. PDB was selected for this project to expedite construction and shorten the project timeline, minimize public impacts, and maximize cost effectiveness.