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What are Quiet Zones?
Our existing train tracks are owned by Burlington Northern Santa Fe (BNSF) and governed by the Federal Railroad Administration. The FRA requires trains to sound their horns at each grade crossing. If a quiet zone is granted, the FRA removes the horn blowing requirement and instead requires that certain additional safety measures be implemented at each crossing to ensure safety for pedestrians and motorists.
>> Quiet Zone Fact Sheet
Why do we need a Quiet Zone?
More and more freight and commuter trains will be using these tracks in the future. For those of us who live, work, and recreate near the railroad tracks, implementing quiet zones today would decrease horn noise and improve our quality of life, even before Fastracks arrives.
Additionally, as part of the Fastracks program, the RTD will be converting the existing freight rail line that runs from Union Station in Denver to Longmont to commuter rail. This rail line does not follow the U.S. 36 Corridor, but instead twists and turns through neighborhoods between Denver and Boulder. This means that in addition to the freight trains, commuter trains will run through our towns, up to four times per hour.
Because the Northwest Corridor trains will be running on existing BNSF freight tracks, the trains will be required by the Federal Railroad Administration to blow their horns at every grade crossing. However, if our city councils apply for and implement quiet zones, trains will be excused from this law and will not have to blow their horns. This would greatly reduce the noise associated with train horns.
How do we get Quiet Zone status?
Our city councils must apply for quiet zone status, and the RTD will have a major role in the noise mitigation efforts along the corridor, possibly including the construction of additional safety features at each grade crossing. If our city is granted quiet zone status by the FRA, trains will not be required to blow their horns at each crossing.
Please join us in urging our city councils to apply for, fund, and work with the RTD and other agencies to implement quiet zones throughout the Northwest Corridor.
>> Contact your city council
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