Welcome
In January 2008, I was asked to Chair a Committee to explore the feasibility of establishing a quiet zone for the Twinsburg Road Norfolk & Southern rail crossing in Northeast Ohio. Thanks to the help and support of community leaders in Macedonia, Hudson and Northfield Center, we have been able to plan, develop and fund our quiet zone project in a little over one year. This web site was created to share our experiences with others who wish to establish quiet zones in their communities.
Background: In 2005, a federal rule was issued by the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) on the use of locomotive horns at highway rail grade crossings. The rule requires that locomotive horns be sounded at all public grade crossings 15-20 seconds before entering a crossing, but not more than one-quarter mile in advance. The Rule provides an exception to this horn sounding requirement where a public authority has created a valid “quiet zone” where the horn is not routinely sounded. Since the purpose of the horn is to enhance safety at grade crossings to warn motorists and others of an approaching train, the FRA has specified strict requirements for the creation of a new quiet zone. In our case, supplemental safety measures and rail crossing circuitry upgrades must be completed for the Twinsburg Road rail crossing to qualify.
The Process: In order to begin the process of establishing a quiet zone, we first had to gain the support of a public authority. Mayor Kuchta of Macedonia graciously agreed to fill that role. Our next step in the process was to get funding for a preliminary engineering study to determine the requirements and costs associated with circuitry upgrades for the crossing to qualify for a quiet zone. Macedonia, Hudson and Northfield Center agreed to fund the $7,500 preliminary engineering study. In September we got the results from the preliminary study and learned the total cost of our project ($168,323) and the improvements required to qualify for a quiet zone. On March 26, 2009, Governor Strickland approved our project for Federal Stimulus funding. A number of hurdles remain before we cross the finish line, but I think we're on the right track.
The Trail Blazers: We also want to recognize those who have gone through the process of establishing a quiet zone before us and have generously given of their time and expertise to share their experiences. Charles Haught, City Engineer in Moraine Ohio, Mayor Mark Elliott of Brook Park, Ohio and Colette Kubic of Vermillion, Ohio have all provided invaluable guidance on how to establish a new quiet zone.
As we move closer to the finish line, we will update this web site with additional information and other details on our progress.
Sincerely,
Greg McNeil
Chairman
Quiet Zone Committee
