City of Austin

The City of Austin Transportation Department recently executed the first of two formal agreements with Union Pacific Railroad (UPRR) July 26, 2011 with the intent of establishing quiet zones at the following crossings:

• UPRR Crossing at Matthews Lane
• UPRR Crossing at W. Stassney Lane
• UPRR Crossing at Banister Lane
• UPRR Crossing at W. Oltorf Street
• UPRR Crossing at W. Mary Street

The City of Austin Transportation Department recently executed the first of two formal agreements with Union Pacific Railroad (UPRR) July 26, 2011 with the intent of establishing quiet zones at the following crossings:

• UPRR Crossing at Matthews Lane
• UPRR Crossing at W. Stassney Lane
• UPRR Crossing at Banister Lane
• UPRR Crossing at W. Oltorf Street
• UPRR Crossing at W. Mary Street

This first agreement allows UPRR to determine what safety equipment changes are necessary at these crossings to comply with the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) requirements for a quiet zone. This includes the preparation of the design and cost estimate to install new equipment or modify the existing equipment. Once the City receives the cost estimate from UPRR, anticipated in early January 2012, a second agreement will be executed to construct all needed modifications.

 In February, with the addition of medians near the crossing, a quiet zone was established at Duval Road. Medians have also been constructed or modified at W. Stassney and Banister lanes, and W. Mary Street in preparation for quiet zones, however additional modifications to be identified through this agreement will be needed prior to establishing quiet zones at those locations.

 Currently, FRA requires train engineers to sound train horns when approaching a public highway railroad crossing. A quiet zone will allow trains to pass through the railroad crossing without sounding their horns, except in emergencies, and will result in less train noise for surrounding residents.

 In the meantime, it is important to note that while the City is working to reduce the disruption to residents from train horns, train engineers are still authorized to sound the train horn as they approach and enter rail crossings.