Quincy railroad crossing work scheduled for 2026

QUINCY — Roadwork for 2025 isn’t quite finished in Quincy, and plans are underway for projects in 2026. Upgrades to the railroad crossing on Columbia Way are among them, and Quincy Engineer Aerial Belino said that’s the first in a series of upgrades to railway crossings. 

“Once we’ve completed this project, for this crossing, we’re going to apply for a second one on Third Avenue, then Central Avenue and also 13th Avenue,” Belino told Quincy City Council members Wednesday. “All those crossings, according to the (Washington Utilities and Transportation Commission) need upgrades for safety.” 

Three railroad tracks cross Columbia Way near Division Street, and the city has received funding through a federal program designed to improve safety at rail crossings. Council members approved a letter of understanding that’s required before the city can access the money, Belino said. 

Council members also approved a $73,200 extension to the city’s contract with Transportation Engineering Northwest, Kirkland, as part of the project to upgrade sections of 13th Avenue Southwest and 13th Avenue Northwest north and south of the intersection with State Route 28.  

The street south of the intersection provides access to Lauzier Park, which will be the site of the new fieldhouse and indoor court complex, the Q-Plex. The road will be widened to include a left turn lane, sidewalks and streetlights. The estimated cost is about $3 million.  

Part of the design is the acquisition of rights-of-way and easements, Belino said, which is the project Transportation Engineering Northwest will be doing.  

Paving is scheduled to be completed on Second Avenue Southeast by the end of the week, Belino said. In addition, construction crews are finishing up the installation of playground toys at the new park on Sixth Avenue Northeast, along with benches and tables. 

“There are a lot of toys waiting to be installed, and they’re still waiting for more,” Belino said.