(1) Except to the extent necessary to permit participation by first-class cities in the grade crossing protective fund, when an election to participate is made as provided in RCW 81.53.261 through 81.53.291, or to the extent a first-class city requests to participate in the commission's crossing safety inspection program within the city, this chapter is not operative within the limits of first-class cities, and does not apply to street railway lines operating on or across any street, alley, or other public place within the limits of any city, except that a streetcar line outside of cities of the first class shall not cross a railroad at grade without express authority from the commission. The commission may not change the location of a state highway without the approval of the secretary of transportation, or the location of any crossing thereon adopted or approved by the department of transportation, or grant a railroad authority to cross a state highway at grade without the consent of the secretary of transportation.

(2) Within thirty days of July 1, 2015, first-class cities must provide to the commission a list of all existing public crossings within the limits of a first-class city, including over and under-crossings, including the United States department of transportation number for the crossing. Within thirty days of modifying, closing, or opening a grade crossing within the limits of a first-class city, the city must notify the commission in writing of the action taken, identifying the crossing by United States department of transportation number.

[2015 c 274 § 21; 1984 c 7 § 375; 1969 c 134 § 8; 1961 c 14 § 81.53.240. Prior: (i) 1953 c 95 § 15; 1925 ex.s. c 179 § 3; 1913 c 30 § 21; RRS § 10531. (ii) 1959 c 283 § 7. Formerly RCW 81.52.300 and 81.52.380.]

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