City Council Meeting Date: January 4, 2022
To: Mayor and City Council
City Administrator
From: David E. Bennett, Public Works Director/City Engineer
Title
The Northfield City Council receives an update on the Northfield Railroad Quiet Zone.
Body
Action Requested:
The Northfield City Council receives an update on the Northfield Railroad Quiet Zone.
Summary Report:
In 2006, the City completed a Railroad Quiet Zone study to look at options for a Quiet Zone in Northfield. The City worked with the consulting firm of SRF on the study. The full report is attached if you are interested in reviewing all or some of the background. Since 2006, not many of the recommendations within the study have been implemented, however, the City has numerous street improvement projects on streets that cross the railroad tracks and therefore the City has an opportunity to implement some the railroad supplemental safety measures to improve the crossings so they are Quiet Zone ready.
There are three railroad lines tracks in Northfield, the west track operated by Progressive Railroad that goes to Lakeville, the east track operated by Progressive Railroad that goes to Cannon Falls, and the Central Track operated by Union Pacific. The Central track is the most active in Northfield.
SRF was consulted to take a look at the recent and upcoming improvements on our street network to see how we are progressing toward a Quiet Zone. In general, there is a National Average Risk Index related to railroad crossings with horn sounding, and the goal with supplemental safety measures is to get below this level so horns don’t have to sound.
SRF will share options and recommendations with Council; these are attached in the presentation.
Alternative Options:
N/A
Financial Impacts:
N/A
Tentative Timelines:
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