Town of Gordonsville, Virginia Agenda Item Summary June 18, 2012 AGENDA ITEM 10a Unfinished Business AGENDA TITLE: Discussion of Railroad Quiet Zone DISPOSITION: [ ] Action Required [X] For Discussion [ ] Consent Agenda [ ] Closed Session [ ] Informational PRESENTER: Mayor Robert Coiner ATTACHMENTS: [X] yes [ ] no BACKGROUND: The attached report from Christopher Colby is an update on the progress of the establishment of the railroad quiet zone for Council s review and discussion. Also attached for Council s consideration is a revised Notice of Intent (NOI) for the establishment of two quiet zones and a request for information related to current railroad inventory for the town. How does Council wish to proceed in this regard? p:\agenda package\2012\june 18, 2012\unfinished business\word\summary_unfinished business a_discussion of railroad quiet zone.doc
A Railroad Quiet Zone Feasibility Study Town of Gordonsville, Virginia C. F. Colby Summer 2012 Private volunteer effort. No CSX, BB, Amtrak, or Town endorsement implied.
Executive Summary The Town of Gordonsville, Virginia, has the short-term ability to implement a Quiet Zone (QZ) without further safety equipment installation 1, either to simply eliminate all mandatory train horns from 10:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m. (Partial QZ), around-the-clock (Full QZ), or a hybrid Partial/Full QZ (to selectively preserve some daytime train horns, such as the daytime Amtrak horns on Baker Street, with a Full QZ on the other crossings). This window of opportunity may close in the next several years, as gradual AADT increases may create a Quiet Zone Risk Index (QZRI) that exceeds the National Significant Risk Threshold (NSRT) without some roadway improvements. The Town has four highway-grade railroad crossings across two tracks within a one-mile distance. The Town s average daily train traffic consists of two daytime Buckingham Branch Railroad (BBRR) freight trains, five or more CSX-branded empty coal trains transiting aroundthe-clock to West Virginia, which pass along the Town s Main Street commercial district, and the Amtrak Cardinal line, which crosses the Baker Street crossing three times a week. The Town s average daily traffic (AADT) consists of 3,500 vehicles on High Street, with an average of 750 vehicles across the other three crossings. As of 1 September 2012, the Town s railroad crossings will have all of the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA)-required safety equipment. I. Town History, Geography, and Future Plans The Town of Gordonsville, Virginia, is a town at the crossroads of history. Once a noted inn and then the western terminus for rail traffic in the Commonwealth, its fortunes have been linked to those of the travelers who pass through it. At one time, the Town recorded its day based on the whistles of the scheduled passenger trains coming through Gordonsville. Even today, the tight horseshoe-shaped railbed requires trains to slow down in town. The Town in 2012 is facing challenges in the form of lost local industry and a Main Street corridor in need of improvement, for which the Town has initiated a new $1.4M streetscape plan. The Town appears to focus on a future of local-scale tourism, agriculture, information technology, and other quiet industries. Other municipalities nationwide have included QZ implementation as a core element to their downtown revitalization efforts. Business leaders in several larger communities found that rail noise had to be reduced if central business district revitalization efforts were to succeed. University studies have reported decreased property values near non-qz rail crossings. While residents may sleep through the horns, numerous studies indicate decreased levels of efficiency, motor control, and memory from nighttime noise, even if the subjects slept through the noise. VML has also endorsed the use of quiet zones with a pamphlet available on its website. 2 Sound level readings throughout the Main Street commercial corridor reflect a minimum of 93 dba 3 during each of the eight horn blasts a train must make in the district. Readings in 1 49 CFR 222.39(a)(2)(i). 2 VML website, available online at http://www.vml.org/legalres/trainnoiseabate_legalres.pdf 3 Measured in May-June 2012 near the Main Street railroad bridge during Depot and Main Street crossings. 1
Gordonsville residential areas reported in excess of 75 dba, well in excess of the Town s 65 dba daytime residential noise ordinance. For comparison, conversation usually occurs at 60 dba, and all audible communication usually ceases when background noise exceeds 90 dba. II. FRA Safety Statistics and FRA Train Horn Rule Requirements A QZ does not eliminate all train horns; it only makes train horn use discretionary instead of mandatory. Train operators still have broad discretion to sound the train horn in the event of a vehicle, maintenance employee, other person, or other unsafe situation on or near the tracks, when there is no power, or when grade crossing warning devices are malfunctioning. 4 Additionally, train operators can still sound the train s bell at every crossing. Virginia railroads reported 438 highway-rail incidents (271 at public crossings) for the ten year period of 2002-2011, of which 22 deaths were reported. 5 All relevant metrics (number of accidents, fatalities, etc.) have declined over the past decade. Across the 492 QZs nationwide, only one QZ vehicle fatality was reported at a gated crossing in 2011, involving a commuter train moving at 51 mph outside Chicago, IL. 6 In general, slower trains seem to result in more margin for error and fewer fatalities; as Gordonsville trains travel at 20 mph, there is considerable time for trains to slow and sound their horns, decreasing the initial risk and effects of an impact. The FRA Train Horn Rule requirements are: 1. New quiet zones are a minimum of a half-mile in length. The proposed quiet zones meet this requirement. 2. Active warning devices featuring a minimum of flasher, lights and gates. All Town crossings meet this requirement. 3. Constant Warning Time (CWT) circuits where practical. CWT is a train detection technology that adjusts the start of the warning sequence based on the train s speed. CWT-enhanced signals always give the same warning time, regardless of train speed. Baker Street and High Street will meet this requirement as of 1 September 2012. Depot Street and Main Street crossings meet this requirement. 4. Power-Out Indicators on Signal Cabins. The power out indicator (a light attached to the side of the signal cabin) indicates that there is power at the crossing. All Town crossings meet this requirement. 4 49 CFR 222.23 5 FRA dataset, available online at http://safetydata.fra.dot.gov/officeofsafety/publicsite/query/stchart.aspx 6 FRA dataset, available online at http://safetydata.fra.dot.gov/officeofsafety/publicsite/on_the_fly_download.aspx 2
III. Four Proposed Quiet Zone Scenarios (from Most Horns to Fewest) When would we hear the horns? 0 Status quo (All train horns) I All daytime trains II All daytime Baker Street (Amtrak) trains III No train horns Baker Street No QZ Partial QZ Partial QZ Full QZ High/Main/Depot No QZ Partial QZ Full QZ Full QZ Pros Safety from horn, gates, lights, train Daytime safety in addition to gates/ seeing train Amtrak train horn returns to being a Town event Silence for quiet industries Cons Noise in town (8 to 12x/day) IV. Further Steps and Periodic Updates 7 Distraction for Main Street guests Daytime noise for Baker-area homes Lack of local historic element Once the Town Council has decided on a course of action, the Town would submit Notices of Establishment, which would provide at least 21 days notice to the railroads before routine train horns would cease. No Train Horn signage ($40/sign for premium highest-visibility signs) 8 must be installed at each crossing (below existing signs) before trains will stop sounding horns. Every 30-36 months, the Town will be required to affirm in writing that any supplemental safety measures (SSMs) continue to conform to requirements, and provide an accurate Grade Crossing Inventory Form. Upon request, BBRR will have 30 days to provide updated information to the Town to allow the Town to update the Grade Crossing Inventory Form. 9 V. Long Term Scenarios (should QZRI exceed NSRT) 10 Once the Town has had sufficient time to gauge resident, business, and visitor feedback, it may face the prospect of the Main/Depot/High QZRI exceeding the NSRT, and thus losing its QZ qualification. Following the first annual review where the QZRI exceeded the NSRT, FRA would notify the Town, which would have six months to decide to retain the QZ, and then an additional 36 months from the FRA s notice to implement SSMs, such as medians or four-quadrant gates. One of the Town s most cost-effective options may be by installing an FRA-approved Mountable Median with Reflective Traffic Channelization Device which average $13,000 per crossing (not including installation) and require only four hours installation time. These medians extend 100 feet from the gate arm, with intersections within 60 feet requiring modification. 11 A future traffic engineering study may be considered to determine the best approach, whether at Main, Depot, or High Streets. (See Figures 1-5 for an example median and FRA worksheets.) 7 49 CFR 222.47 8 Available online at http://www.roadtrafficsigns.com/traffic-sign/no-train-horn-sign/sku-x-w10-9.aspx 9 49 CFR 222.49(b) 10 49 CFR 222.51(a)(2) 11 49 CFR 222 Appendix A (3) 3
Figure 1: Sample Mountable Barrier SSM (courtesy Qwickkurb) Figure 2: Baker Street FRA Worksheet with No SSMs (Current Status) 4
Figure 3: Main/Depot/High Streets FRA Worksheet with No SSMs (Current Status) Figure 4: Main/Depot/High Streets FRA Worksheet with High Street Reflective Median Barrier 5
Figure 5: Main/Depot/High Streets FRA Worksheet with High Street and Main Street Reflective Median Barrier 6
July 15, 2012 Buckingham Branch Railroad P.O. Box 336 Dillwyn, Virginia 23936 CSX Transportation, Inc. 500 Water Street Jacksonville, FL 32202 National Railroad Passenger Corporation Stefan Gilmore, Sr. Safety Coordinator 40 Massachusetts Avenue NE Washington, DC 20002 Virginia Department of Transportation Traffic Engineering Division Highway Safety Improvement Programs Highway-Rail Grade Crossing Safety Program 1401 E. Broad St. Richmond, Virginia 23219 Virginia Department of Transportation Traffic Engineering Division Highway Safety Improvement Programs Highway Safety Program 1401 E. Broad St. Richmond, Virginia 23219 RE: NOTICE OF INTENT (NOI) TO CONSIDER TWO NEW QUIET ZONES UNDER 49 CFR 222.41(c) AND REQUEST FOR CURRENT INVENTORY INFORMATION AS OF SEPTEMBER 1, 2012 UNDER 49 CFR 222.49(b)) In accordance with 49 CFR 222.43(a)(1) and 222.43(b), and upon the March 30, 2012, recommendation of Buckingham Branch Railroad, the Town of Gordonsville provides written notice of its intent to consider the following proposed two Quiet Zones under 49 CFR 222.39. The information provided is for two separate Quiet Zones. The information for the two Quiet Zones will be presented separately and readily identifiable as Parts I and II. Parts III and IV are the Town s request for current inventory information (as of September 1, 2012). The Town is including this request to minimize administrative burden on the parties. It is the Town s understanding that all CWT equipment will be installed as of September 1, 2012.
I. BAKER STREET QUIET ZONE 1. A list of each public, private, and pedestrian grade crossing within the quiet zone, identified by both U.S. DOT National Highway-Rail Grade Crossing Inventory Number and street or highway name, if applicable. U.S. DOT Crossing Inventory Number 225171A Street or Highway Name East Baker Street 2. A statement of the time period within which restrictions would be imposed on the routine sounding of the locomotive horn (i.e., 24 hours or from 10 p.m. until 7 a.m.). Partial. The Gordonsville Town Council has stated they prefer a partial (10 p.m. until 7 a.m.) Quiet Zone if one is established. 3. A brief explanation of the public authority s tentative plans for implementing improvements within the proposed quiet zone. None. The Town of Gordonsville is applying under 49 CFR 222.39(a)(2)(i), which permits establishment when the QZRI is at or below the NSRT without installation of any SSMs at the New Quiet Zone. The Town of Gordonsville understands that Buckingham Branch Railroad will install new CWT equipment on the Baker Street crossing by September 1, 2012. 4. The name and title of the person who will act as point of contact during the quiet zone development process and the manner in which that person can be contacted. Sabrina Martyn, Town Manager, (540) 832-2233, smartyn@gordonsville.org OR Christopher Colby, Town Resident, (540) 832-1747, christopher.f.colby@gmail.com 5. A list of the names and addresses of each party that will receive notification. Buckingham Branch Railroad P.O. Box 336 Dillwyn, Virginia 23936 CSX Transportation, Inc. 500 Water Street Jacksonville, FL 32202 National Railroad Passenger Corporation Stefan Gilmore, Sr. Safety Coordinator 40 Massachusetts Avenue NE Washington, DC 20002 Virginia Department of Transportation Traffic Engineering Division Highway Safety Improvement Programs Highway-Rail Grade Crossing Safety Program 1401 E. Broad St. Richmond, Virginia 23219 Virginia Department of Transportation Traffic Engineering Division Highway Safety Improvement Programs Highway Safety Program 1401 E. Broad St. Richmond, Virginia 23219
II. MAIN/DEPOT/HIGH STREETS QUIET ZONE 1. A list of each public, private, and pedestrian grade crossing within the quiet zone, identified by both U.S. DOT National Highway-Rail Grade Crossing Inventory Number and street or highway name, if applicable. U.S. DOT Crossing Inventory Number 225093V 225094C 225096R Street or Highway Name South Main Street Depot Street High Street 2. A statement of the time period within which restrictions would be imposed on the routine sounding of the locomotive horn (i.e., 24 hours or from 10 p.m. until 7 a.m.). Partial. The Gordonsville Town Council has stated they prefer a partial (10 p.m. until 7 a.m.) Quiet Zone if one is established. 3. A brief explanation of the public authority s tentative plans for implementing improvements within the proposed quiet zone. None at this time. The Town of Gordonsville is applying under 49 CFR 222.39(a)(2)(i), which permits establishment when the QZRI is at or below the NSRT without installation of any SSMs at the New Quiet Zone. The Town of Gordonsville understands that Buckingham Branch Railroad will install new CWT equipment on the High Street crossing by September 1, 2012. 4. The name and title of the person who will act as point of contact during the quiet zone development process and the manner in which that person can be contacted. Sabrina Martyn, Town Manager, (540) 832-2233, smartyn@gordonsville.org OR Christopher Colby, Town Resident, (540) 832-1747, christopher.f.colby@gmail.com 5. A list of the names and addresses of each party that will receive notification. Buckingham Branch Railroad P.O. Box 336 Dillwyn, Virginia 23936 CSX Transportation, Inc. 500 Water Street Jacksonville, FL 32202 National Railroad Passenger Corporation Stefan Gilmore, Sr. Safety Coordinator 40 Massachusetts Avenue NE Washington, DC 20002 Virginia Department of Transportation Traffic Engineering Division Highway Safety Improvement Programs Highway-Rail Grade Crossing Safety Program 1401 E. Broad Street Richmond, Virginia 23219 Virginia Department of Transportation Traffic Engineering Division Highway Safety Improvement Programs Highway Safety Program 1401 E. Broad Street Richmond, Virginia 23219
III. BAKER STREET QUIET ZONE - REQUEST FOR CURRENT INVENTORY INFORMATION AS OF SEPTEMBER 1, 2012 (49 CFR 222.49(b)) In accordance with 49 CFR 222.49(b), the Town of Gordonsville requests sufficient information, current as of September 1, 2012, regarding the following grade crossing(s) and the railroad s operations over the grade crossing(s) to enable the Town to complete the Grade Crossing Inventory Form. The Town of Gordonsville extends the 30-day requirement to 60 days to allow the parties to consolidate this request with the accompanying NOI. U.S. DOT Crossing Inventory Number 225171A Street or Highway Name East Baker Street IV. MAIN/DEPOT/HIGH STREETS QUIET ZONE - REQUEST FOR CURRENT INVENTORY INFORMATION AS OF SEPTEMBER 1, 2012 (49 CFR 222.49(b)) In accordance with 49 CFR 222.49(b), the Town of Gordonsville requests sufficient information, current as of September 1, 2012, regarding the following grade crossing(s) and the railroad s operations over the grade crossing(s) to enable the Town to complete the Grade Crossing Inventory Form. The Town of Gordonsville extends the 30-day requirement to 60 days to allow the parties to consolidate this request with the accompanying NOI. U.S. DOT Crossing Inventory Number 225093V 225094C 225096R Street or Highway Name South Main Street Depot Street High Street Thank you very much for your time, attention, and assistance. Sincerely, TOWN OF GORDONSVILLE Sabrina M. Martyn Town Manager smm cc via email: Town Council Angela Marie Scolforo, Town Attorney Deborah S. Kendall, AICP, Town Planner/Town Clerk David Cubbage, VDOT Residency Maintenance Manager Christopher Colby