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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMemo - Mail Packet - 1/31/2013 (10)City of Fort Collins Planning, Development & Transportation Transportation Planning & Special Projects 281 North College Avenue P.O. Box 580 Fort Collins, CO 80522.0580 970.224.6058 970.221.6239 - fax fcgov. coMtransportation VIVNlORANI liI41 DATE: January 25, 2013 TO: Mayor and City Councilmembers THROUGH: Darin Atteberry, City Manager �Vp l7<1'w' Karen Cumbo, Director of Planning, Development, and Transportation FROM: Amy Lewin, Transportation Planner Mark Jackson, Deputy Director of Planning, Development, and Transportation P� RE: JANUARY 22, 2013 WORK SESSION SUMMARY — RAILROAD QUIET ZONE STUDY On January 22, 2013 City staff provided an update to Council on the status of the Railroad Quiet Zone Study. The presentation included a summary of the technical analysis as well as some potential implementation options. Attendees City Council: Mayor Karen Weitkunat, Mayor Pro-Tem Kelly Ohlson, Councilmembers Horak, Kottwitz, Manvel, Poppaw, and Troxell City Staff: Wendy Williams, Karen Combo, Mark Jackson, Aaron Iverson, Amy Lewin, Dan Weinheimer, and Stephanie Sangaline Anzia (FHU consultant). Discussion Summary Relationship between the recent improvements on Mason and train horn noise. The improvements were done to support the two-way conversion for bus circulation associated with the bus rapid transit MAX project. Some of the improvements do help to isolate the cross street crossing areas, which define the vehicular crossing locations. Having specific locations of vehicle crossing does identify the locations where Quiet Zone treatments could now be installed, which is a step towards establishing a Quiet Zone. However, isolating the crossings for each cross street alone is not sufficient for Quiet Zone compliance. Potential for implementing other safety improvements to establish Quiet Zones, like red light cameras for photo enforcement wherein violators would be fined. This is an Alternative Safety Measure that requires monitoring and reporting to support its effectiveness. Possibility of additional credit for traffic signals and restricted left turns to reduce the calculated risk at crossings through the downtown area is currently being discussed with the FRA. • New technologies such as retractable bollards are being reviewed for applicability in the downtown corridor. Council suggested consideration of wedge barriers that might provide a continuous barrier when activated, as opposed to the spacing still present between fully elevated bollards. (Use of either of these technologies would need to be tested and approved by the FRA.) • Crossing closures were considered in early Phase 1 discussions, and at the time, not generally supported. With the new construction along Mason Street, and restrictions of left turn movements at many cross streets, there is a place for this discussion as it will have an effect on the cost of Quiet Zone implementation through downtown. • Light Rail Transit (LRT) is treated differently than heavy rail. Heavy rail vehicles, including freight and passenger, are regulated by the FRA. These vehicles have more mass and weight and less ability to stop quickly. LRT is regulated by the Federal Transit Administration (FTA), not the FRA and generally has the ability to stop more quickly if needed. • Role of Public Utilities Commission (PUC) is to regulate all public crossings of heavy rail, including at -grade and grade separated. Their jurisdiction is with regard to safety. While they are asked by the FRA to comment on Notices of Intent to Create a Quiet Zone, their comments are relative to safety only. The jurisdiction and decision -making authority for Quiet Zone establishment remains with the FRA. • Potential timetable for implementation depends on the overall approach and funding opportunities. Council Direction i- Coordinate potential Quiet Zone improvements with Mason improvements where possible • Continue to monitor options for commenting on "Final Rule;" coordinate with other cities • Provide information and/or guidance to the CML with regard to pursuing a change in the regulation • Do not support use of wayside horns, because they do not eliminate the noise • Continue to monitor opportunities for new technologies and other communities' efforts toward FRA approval of new technologies for use as Alternative Safety Measures Next Steps • Finalize Phase 2 Technical Report and the implementation options identified in Phase I Addendum Memo • Continue conversations with FRA, other communities Staff appreciates the opportunity to discuss the Railroad Quiet Zone project with the City Council and received valuable feedback and direction for the project. For more information regarding the project, please visit: fcgov.com/quietzone.