HomeMy WebLinkAboutIR 10241
INFORMAL REPORT TO CITY COUNCIL MEMBERS No. 10241
February 12, 2019
To the Mayor and Members of the City Council
Page 1 of 3
SUBJECT: BACKGROUND ON RAILROAD QUIET ZONES WITHIN THE CITY
OF FORT WORTH
The purpose of this informal report is to provide background on Railroad Quiet Zones within the City of
Fort Worth. The implementation of railroad quiet zones is the responsibility of the Railroad Safety Program
in the Transportation and Public Works Department. Currently, there are 206 grade crossings within the
city, 86 crossings are either closed, existing Quiet Zones or planned to be Quiet Zones.
th
Definition of a Quiet Zone: On June 24, 2005, a law became effective that allows cities to create Quiet
Zones. The Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) developed the train horn rule published as 49 CFR
Parts 222 and 229, Use of Locomotive Horns at Highway Grade Crossings; Final Rule. With this rule, the
City of Fort Worth has the authority to establish quiet zones if certain safety devices are deployed at grade
crossings to compensate for the discontinuance of use of the locomotive train horn.
A quiet zone is typically deployed to reduce the noise around a residential neighborhood, school, hospital
or other sound-sensitive area. If a railroad crossing is within ½ mile of another crossing, then the next
crossing should be included within the quiet zone boundary. It is necessary to evaluate each individual
crossing to determine if the site is suitable for quiet zone techniques.
responsible for safety and maintenance of the roadway that crosses the railroad tracks is the only entity
that can designate or apply for quiet zone status.
a) Quiet Zone Measures: The FRA specifies several methods to implement a quiet zone. Because
every crossing has different roadway widths and unique characteristics, the specific crossing
characteristics may dictate the use of one method over another. In addition, an upgrade to the
existing railroad signal to bring it up to modern standards may be required. In some cases, it may
be impractical to create a Quiet Zone. Finally, consistent with the Train Horn Rule, the City will be
required to complete the comprehensive documentation to establish the crossing(s) as a quiet
zone.
The following techniques provide a basic description of measures to deploy a quiet zone:
i. Grade Crossing Elimination The closure of a roadway can be accomplished if traffic
circulation, emergency access, and local community desires are addressed. A road closure
will require the installation of barricades and possible pavement and curbing adjustments.
In some cases, right-of-way acquisition, constructing a cul-de-sac, or creating a new
alternate route will be necessary.
ii. Median Barrier Use of a concrete median barrier in the center of a road of a sufficient
length from the tracks prohibits vehicular movement around the gates. The FRA requires a
median barrier to be 100 feet in length (60 feet if a driveway or cross street is present) from
the nose of the median to the tip of the railroad crossing gate.
iii. Wayside Horn System This system utilizes speakers mounted adjacent to the crossing.
Upon arrival of every approaching train, the speakers emit a pre-recorded train horn sound.
The speakers are directed toward each roadway approach to alert motorists about the
approaching train. In addition to the installation cost, an annual expense is required to
maintain the special hardware.
ISSUED BY THE CITY MANAGER FORT WORTH, TEXAS
INFORMAL REPORT TO CITY COUNCIL MEMBERS No. 10241
February 12, 2019
To the Mayor and Members of the City Council
Page 2 of 3
SUBJECT: BACKGROUND ON RAILROAD QUIET ZONES WITHIN THE CITY
OF FORT WORTH
iv. Four-Quadrant Gate System This system uses gates in all four corners of a crossing
which, when lowered, prohibits vehicular movement around the gates. In addition to the
installation cost, the railroad companies typically require an annual fee (over $10,000) to
maintain the additional railroad signal equipment.
v. One-Way Street with a Crossing Signal A street with one-way traffic flow and a standard
crossing signal will use gates which, when lowered, prohibit vehicular movement around the
gates. A conversion of a street to one-way traffic flow may be considered.
b) Quiet Zone Liability: It is understood that railroad crossings will be modified and improved as a
result of this program. The City and railroad companies will strictly follow the guidelines within the
FRA Train Horn Rule to eliminate or limit any liability involved with quiet zone projects. No
deviation from the FRA guidelines will be allowed by the City.
Quiet Zone Implementation Process: The process to implement a Quiet Zone may take between 12 to
24months. The steps listed below vary in time from one month to 6 months. Some steps may overlap.
Number of
Process Step
Months
Evaluate/Investigate crossing as possibility Quiet Zone 1-2
Identify/Program funding 1-3
Conduct on-site diagnostic meeting with Railroad, FRA and City 1-2
Identify/Design Quiet Zone Crossing 6+
Send Notice of Intent (NOI) to FRA and Railroad(s) 2
City Council Approval 1
Construction by Railroad 6+
Send Notice of Establishment (NOE) to FRA and Railroad(s) 1+
Quiet Zone Established 1
Total Estimated Time in Months 12-24
ISSUED BY THE CITY MANAGER FORT WORTH, TEXAS
INFORMAL REPORT TO CITY COUNCIL MEMBERS No. 10241
February 12, 2019
To the Mayor and Members of the City Council
Page 3 of 3
SUBJECT: BACKGROUND ON RAILROAD QUIET ZONES WITHIN THE CITY
OF FORT WORTH
Railroad Crossings in Fort Worth: Fort Worth has 206 railroad grade crossings. The following is a
breakdown of the crossings:
Number of
Crossing Type
Crossings
Existing at-grade Railroad Crossings 206
Closed Crossings 23
Existing Quiet Zone Crossings 26
Programmed/Funded* Quiet Zone Crossings by Year
2019 19
2020 11
2021 7
Candidate Quiet Zone Crossings (Unfunded) 50
Remaining Crossings** 70
*Source 2014 or 2018 Bond Package
**To be evaluated, may not be suitable candidate for Quiet Zone
Should you have any questions, please contact Steve Cooke, Transportation and Public Works Interim
Director, at 817-392-5134.
David Cooke
City Manager
ISSUED BY THE CITY MANAGER FORT WORTH, TEXAS