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1049 State Ave. * Marysville, Washington 98270 * (360) 363-8000 * web: marysvillewa.gov Executive News Release Contact: Doug Buell, Community Information Officer Office: (360) 363-8000 Email: [EMAIL REDACTED] June 5, 2012 Burlington Northern Santa Fe to fully close rail crossing for repairs June 6-7 on 172nd (SR 531) in Lakewood area; motorists urged to seek alternate routes MARYSVILLE – Burlington Northern Santa Fe has announced that it will fully close the rail crossing on 172nd Street NE (SR 531) for repair work round-the-clock on June 6-7. City of Marysville officials encourage motorists to seek alternate routes while repairs are made at the crossing about a mile west of Interstate 5. BNSF has posted detour signs in the impacted areas west of the 172nd/I-5 interchange and Lakewood Crossing shopping center. SR 531 is a busy stretch of state highway especially at peak traffic hours, and alternate routes are limited, City officials say. Suggested roads west of I-5 include the Forty-Five Road to 23rd Avenue and 140th Street, 34th Avenue paralleling I-5 south, and the freeway overpasses at 136th and 116th streets, which provide access east of I-5. The City of Marysville on May 29 denied a right-of-way permit to BNSF to close the road due to public safety concerns, however BNSF will close the route anyways. The proposed closure generated various emergency services, traffic safety and school bus access concerns raised by affected local municipalities and jurisdictions who requested modifications of BNSF plans to better address public safety and school needs. BNSF officials acknowledged that the detour would add several minutes to emergency response but felt emergency responders and citizens would utilize alternative routes to meet their needs. City officials offered to meet with railroad staff to discuss issues and potential options to lessen the impact to all affected parties, including waiting until after June 18 when Lakewood schools will be out for the summer. BNSF ultimately decided to move forward with the closure on June 6-7. For more information about this project and closure, please contact Robert Owen at BNSF at (509) 531-6305.