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<br />CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION <br />Topic Report: Railroad Quiet Zone <br />By: Leonard Linton, Civil Engineer II <br /> <br /> <br />Background: <br /> <br />Staff has researched Railroad Quiet Zone requirements and is ready to present the results of the <br />research. <br /> <br />Federal law supersedes state and local regulations on railroad noise. A new law took effect on <br />January 2, 2004. There are .different classifications of quiet zones. Pre-rule zones apply to those <br />areas where horns were not sounding on October 9, 1996 and December 18, 2003. New Quiet <br />zones are established after the new law took effect. Ramsey does not qualify for the pre-rule <br />zone. <br /> <br />There is a calculator on the Federal Railroad Administration site to assist in preparing an <br />application for a Quiet zone. Staff has used the calculator for the crossings in Ramsey and has <br />determined that when the upgrades to Sunfish Lake Boulevard, Ramsey Boulevard and <br />Armstrong Boulevard crossings are complete, the City will be eligible for a new quiet zone. Staff <br />also ran an analysis and the Ramsey Boulevard and Sunfish Lake Boulevard Crossings will meet <br />the requirements when the improvements are completed this fall. <br /> <br />The Quiet zone will be subject to annual review and updating of the records every 3 years. <br /> <br />The engineer of the train still has the discretion to use the horn if warranted in Quiet Zones. <br /> <br />Funding Source: <br /> <br />The railroad crossing upgrades are undertaken in conjunction with the Regional Roadway <br />Improvements connected to Ramsey Town Center. A grant was obtained for the railroad portion <br />of Sunfish Lake Boulevard. <br /> <br />Action Statement: <br /> <br />Based on discussion. <br /> <br />Reviewed by: <br />Director of Public Works <br />Assistant City Administracb --- <br />City Administrator ~ <br /> <br />6 <br /> <br />r<~ <br /> <br />CCWS: 06/24/2008 <br />