STRATEGIC PRIORITY: Transportation & Infrastructure
AGENDA DATE: June 14, 2023
COUNCIL DISTRICT(S): 5, 7
DEPARTMENT: Department of Transportation
EXECUTIVE: Dr. Robert Perez
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SUBJECT
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Authorize the City Manager to provide the Notice of Intent to establish a Quiet Zone along the Union Pacific Railroad corridor encompassing the railroad crossings at Prairie Creek Road and Sam Houston Road as provided for in the Federal Railroad Administration’s Final Train Horn Rule - Financing: No cost consideration to the City
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BACKGROUND
Quiet Zones improve the quality of life for persons living near a rail line by preventing locomotive trains from sounding their horn as the train approaches a street grade crossing. The establishment of a Quiet Zone by a public authority is recognized by the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) and requires a detailed process that includes providing a Notice of Intent, the implementation of appropriate supplemental and/or alternative safety measures at the crossing deemed necessary by a multi-agency diagnostic team, followed by the City issuing a Notice of Establishment of the Quiet Zone.
In 2016, the City Council authorized the Notice of Intent and subsequent Notice of Establishment for a Quiet Zone along the Union Pacific Railroad (UPRR) corridor encompassing the Prairie Creek Road and Sam Houston Road crossings. The Quiet Zone for this area was in place for several years; however, in August 2021, the FRA advised the City of several safety concerns for pedestrians and motorists and determined that the Quiet Zone would be lifted until those safety concerns were addressed. The Department of Transportation coordinated closely with the FRA to implement additional signs, markings, and other safety enhancements at these railroad crossings, and the FRA advised the City to submit a new Notice of Establishment for this Quiet Zone.
If approved, this action will authorize the required Notice of Intent to reimplement the Quiet Zone along the UPRR corridor encompassing the Prairie Creek Road and Sam Houston Road crossings.
PRIOR ACTION/REVIEW (COUNCIL, BOARDS, COMMISSIONS)
On April 27, 2016, the City Council authorized the Notice of Intent to establish a Quiet Zone along the UPRR encompassing the Prairie Creek Road and Sam Houston Road crossings by Resolution No. 16-0644.
On September 14, 2016, the City Council authorized the Notice of Establishment for a Quiet Zone along the UPRR encompassing the Prairie Creek Road and Sam Houston Road crossings by Resolution No. 16-1456.
FISCAL INFORMATION
No cost consideration to the City.
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