|
|
|
Quiet Zone Information
On June 24, 2005 a federal rule issued by the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) on “Use of Locomotive Horns at Highway Rail Grade Crossings” became effective.
The Rule requires that locomotive horns be sounded where trains approach any public grade crossing. The Rule provides an exception to this horn sounding requirement where a public authority has created a valid “quiet zone” where the horn is not routinely sounded.
Since the purpose of the horn is to enhance safety at grade crossings to warn motorists and others of an approaching train, the FRA has specified strict requirements for the creation of a new quiet zone and the maintenance of a pre-existing quiet zone.
The Locomotive Horn Rule can be found at the FRA website, www.fra.dot.gov/us/content/1318 or www.fra.dot.gov and was published in the Federal Register April 27, 2005, Volume 70, No 80, beginning at page 21888.
- Pre-Rule Quiet Zones
- Community Request to Establish a New Quiet Zone
- General Costs of Safety Measures
Under the Rule, communities with recognized pre-existing whistle bans in effect for a specified amount of time may qualify for “grandfather” status and continue in effect for a period of time. In order for a pre-existing quiet zone or whistle ban to remain in effect a public authority must file with the FRA, the railroad and other parties, a written “Notice of Quiet Zone Continuation,” by December 24, 2005 if it meets the criteria for automatic approval. Otherwise, Pre-Rule quiet zones may remain in effect until June 24, 2010 provided the authority has filed a detailed plan with the FRA by June 24, 2008.
Questions concerning the FRA rule should be directed the Washington office or their Regional Grade Crossing Managers. The contact information is also listed on the FRA web site.
Community Request to Establish a New Quiet Zone
To establish a new quiet zone all requirements of the FRA Rule must be met. The Rule requires communities to submit a written notification to initiate the quiet zone process. For proposed quiet zones that would involve Norfolk Southern public grade crossings, these notices should be submitted to:
W. L. (Bill) Barringer
Norfolk Southern Corporation
Director Grade Crossing Safety
Norfolk Southern Corporation
1200 Peachtree St., NE, Box 36
Atlanta, GA 30309-0036
Quiet Zone Information Telephone: 404.582.5681
To implement any necessary safety enhancements to comply with Part 222 that involve active warning devices at the crossings, you will need to contact the NS Communications & Signal (C&S) Department. All upgrades will be performed under Norfolk Southern’s direction, and the City will be responsible for all costs of installation and ongoing maintenance. Your Norfolk Southern contact is:
Cayela J. Wimberly
Administrator Highway Grade Crossings
Norfolk Southern Corporation
1200 Peachtree St. NE
Atlanta, GA 30309
Telephone: (404) 529-1234
As review of a Notice of Intent to create a quiet zone utilizes the time of several professional staff in the C&S, Safety and Law Departments, NS is imposing a Quiet Zone Administrative Handling Fee of $2,800. Requesting parties will be responsible for payment prior to completion of Norfolk Southern’s review.
General Costs of Safety Measures
Public authorities are responsible for the cost of preliminary engineering, construction, maintenance, and replacement of active warning devices or their components installed at crossings to meet quiet zone standards. Public authorities will be required to enter into a contractual agreement guaranteeing reimbursement to the railroad thirty days after railroad work is completed. Costs to install safety measures vary depending on individual projects. Below are examples of costs:
- Four-Quadrant Gate Systems - $300,000 to $500,000
- Basic Active Warning System* - $185,000 to $400,000
- Basic Inter-Connect - $5,000 to $15,000
- Annual Maintenance - $4,000 to $10,000
*(Includes Flashing Lights and Gates, Constant Warning Time, Power Out Indicator, and Cabin)
At Norfolk Southern our primary concern at rail-highway grade crossings is safety. In regard to quiet zones Norfolk Southern will assist communities as necessary but it is the public authority which is responsible for taking all required steps to assure full compliance with the federal rule.
