STRATEGIC PRIORITY: Mobility Solutions, Infrastructure, and Sustainability
AGENDA DATE: June 10, 2020
COUNCIL DISTRICT(S): 9
DEPARTMENT: Department of Transportation
EXECUTIVE: Majed Al-Ghafry
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SUBJECT
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Authorize an agreement with Kansas City Southern (KCS) Railway to implement quiet zone improvements at nine rail crossings in East Dallas along the KCS railroad corridor - Not to exceed $1,880,722.00 - Financing: Surface Transportation Block Grant Project Fund ($1,504,577.60) and Street and Transportation (A) Fund (2017 General Obligation Bond Fund) ($376,144.40)
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BACKGROUND
The sounding of locomotive train horns as the train approaches street grade crossings throughout the day and night negatively impacts the quality of life for people residing in the general vicinity of a rail line.
In response to this concern, the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) issued its Train Horn Rule which provides a detailed process for the establishment of a Quiet Zone. Part of that process includes installing supplemental safety measures at each crossing within the quiet zone. These measures typically include the construction of a median within the roadway, upgrading the railroad controls, and other minor improvements.
This proposed action will authorize an agreement with the Kansas City Southern Railway Company (KCS) to upgrade the railroad controls and construct crossing improvements on the tracks at nine railroad crossings on the following streets in east Dallas: Santa Anna Avenue, Barnes Bridge Road, Centerville Road, Gus Thomasson Road, Peavy Road, Mariposa Drive, St. Francis Avenue, and Highland Drive.
In addition to the railway improvements performed by KCS other roadway and sidewalk improvements will be constructed by a City hired contractor. This contract will be brought to City Council for action in the upcoming months. The Quiet Zone can be established once these safety measures are in place and FRA approval has been granted.
ESTIMATED SCHEDULE OF PROJECT
Began Design May 2018
Complete Design July 2020
FRA Application Submittal August 2020
Begin Construction October 2020
Complete Construction December 2021
PRIOR ACTION/REVIEW (COUNCIL, BOARDS, COMMISSIONS)
On February 26, 2007, the Transportation and Environment Committee was introduced to the concept of a Railroad Quiet Zone and briefed on the specific requirements of the FRA Train Horn Rule.
On January 12, 2009, the Transportation and Environment Committee was presented with candidate Railroad Quiet Zone projects.
On June 12, 2019, City Council authorized the execution of a Local Project Advanced Funding Agreement with the Texas Department of Transportation to accept $1,791,508.00 in Surface Transportation Block Grant funds for the KCS Quiet Zone East Dallas project by Resolution No. 19-0881.
FISCAL INFORMATION
The cost for these quiet zone improvements is covered by an 80% federally-funded grant with a minimum 20% local match from the 2017 Bond Program.
|
Fund |
FY 2020 |
FY 2021 |
Future Years |
|
Street and Transportation (A) Fund (2017 General Obligation Bond Fund) |
$ 376,144.40 |
$0.00 |
$0.00 |
|
Surface Transportation Block Grant Project Fund |
$1,504,577.60 |
$0.00 |
$0.00 |
|
Total |
$1,880,722.00 |
$0.00 |
$0.00 |
MAP
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