ALJ/MAB/avs DRAFT Agenda ID #2924

Ratesetting

12/4/2003 Item 57

Decision PROPOSED DECISION OF ALJ BUSHEY (Mailed 10/30/2003)

BEFORE THE PUBLIC UTILITIES COMMISSION OF THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA

In the Matter of the Application of the City of San Diego for an order authorizing modification of an existing at-grade crossing on three light rail vehicle tracks and one heavy rail track of the Metropolitan Transit Development Board, and one heavy rail track of the Burlington Northern and Santa Fe Railway Company, at Park Boulevard, in the City of San Diego, San Diego County, California.

Application 01-09-012 (Filed September 12, 2001)

OPINION GRANTING APPROVAL TO CLOSE EIGHTH AVENUE AT-GRADE CROSSING AND CONSTRUCT PARK BOULEVEARD
AT-GRADE CROSSING, WITH CONDITIONS

TABLE OF

Title Page

OPINION GRANTING APPROVAL TO CLOSE EIGHTH AVENUE AT-GRADE CROSSING AND CONSTRUCT PARK BOULEVEARD AT-GRADE CROSSING, WITH CONDITIONS 22

1. Summary 22

2. Description of the Application 22

3. Amendments to Application 55

4. Determination of Factors to be Considered 88

5. Evidence Submitted 1010

5.1 City of San Diego 1010

5.2 RCES 1414

5.3 Public Participation Hearing 1717

6. Discussion 2020

6.1 Factual Setting and Factors to be Evaluated 2020

6.2 Evaluation of Factors Other than Safety 2222

6.3 Evaluation of Safety-Related Factors 2323

6.4 Four Quadrant Gates 3232

6.5 Enhancing Safety in the Entire Rail Corridor 3333

6.6 Signal Coordination Failure at Front Street Crossing 3535

6.7 Compliance with CEQA 3636

7. Assignment of Proceeding 3939

8. Comments on Proposed Decision 3939

Findings of Fact 4040

Conclusions of Law 4444

OPINION GRANTING APPROVAL TO CLOSE EIGHTH AVENUE AT-GRADE CROSSING AND CONSTRUCT PARK BOULEVEARD AT-GRADE CROSSING, WITH CONDITIONS

1. Summary

This decision grants the request of the City of San Diego (the City) for Commission authorization to (1) close an existing at-grade railroad crossing at Eighth Avenue and Harbor Drive and (2) construct an at-grade railroad crossing at the new intersection of Park Boulevard and Harbor Drive in San Diego, California. Due to the high level of light rail traffic and the presence of heavy rail traffic, significant safety conditions are also immediately imposed. Comprehensive monitoring and long-term safety planning are also required.