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HomeMy WebLinkAboutAGENDA REPORT 2025 0917 CC REG ITEM 09C POWERPOINTConsider and Discuss the Evaluation and Establishment of a Quiet Zone – Moorpark Avenue and Spring Road PJ Gagajena, City Manager Kevin Ennis, Zachary Heinselman, City Attorney Daniel Kim, P.E., City Engineer/Public Works Director Public Works Department Train Horn Rule and the Quiet Zone •The Federal Railway Administration (FRA) considers the use of locomotive horns as a critical railroad safety measure. •Train Horn Rule (49 CFR Part 222): Requires locomotive engineers to begin sounding horns in advance of all public, at-grade crossings. Standard Pattern: two long blasts, one short blast, and one long blast. Frequency: at least 15 seconds, but no more than 20 seconds, before entering the public, at-grade crossing. Volume: maximum volume of 110 decibels and minimum of 96 decibels If the locomotive train is traveling faster than 60 mph, engineers are required to sound the horn within one-quarter mile of the public, at-grade crossing. •Subpart C of 49 CFR Part 222 creates a procedure to designate segments of a railroad corridor as a “quiet zone.” Exceptions to the Use of Locomotive Horn •A “quiet zone” is a section of rail line that is at least one-half mile in length and contains one or more public, at-grade crossings where locomotive horns are not routinely sounded. •Only the public authority responsible for traffic control or law enforcement at the crossing may establish a quiet zone. •Quiet zones can be designated with requirements, including FRA approval for the use of Engineering Alternative Safety Measures (ASMs) and Supplemental Safety Measures (SSMs) •Risk mitigation measures include the following: Four quadrant gate systems Medians, channelizing devices Advance warning signs Quiet Zone Discussions •January 18, 2017: City Council considered potential establishment of a quiet zone for Moorpark Avenue and Spring Road. City Council concurred with staff’s recommendation to not pursue a quiet zone due to the level of exposure to liability. •Since 2017, Metrolink completed significant improvements to railroad crossings at Moorpark Avenue and Spring Road. •Recent growth and prioritized development in the Downtown Area has renewed conversation and interest to establish a quiet zone. County has had discussions with VCTC and the State on implementing quiet zones, countywide, due to increase in TODs. Potential Improvements (SSMs) •Moorpark Avenue (State Route 23) Signing and striping improvements. Upgrade to four-quadrant gate system. Advance traffic signal pre-emption controls. •Spring Road Signing and striping improvements. Modification of traffic signal indicators for enhanced visibility. •Cost of improvements can range from $30,000 to $1,000,000. Exposure to Liability •City may be exposed to liability from incidents allegedly caused by silenced locomotive horns. •City must indemnify Southern California Regional Rail Authority (SCRRA/Metrolink), Amtrak, and Union Pacific Railroad from claims related to establishment and operation of a quiet zone. •State is the public authority on Moorpark Avenue. •Metrolink Moorpark Station is adjacent to both crossings at Moorpark Avenue and Spring Road. •Available insurance coverage may be limited to $1M per occurrence, which may still expose the City to significant liability. Annual Estimated Costs for Quiet Zone Ongoing Annual Costs Estimate Amount Railroad Crossing Inspection and Maintenance –Spring Road $40,000.00 Railroad Crossing Inspection and Maintenance –Moorpark Avenue $40,000.00 Liability Insurance ($1M)$40,000.00 Exposure to Liability varies Agency Permitting TBD Total Estimate $120,000.00 •Current Operating Budget does not appropriate any funding for quiet zone. •Annual, ongoing costs for quiet zone designation. SCRRA may cover costs of annual inspections. •CIP efforts Consultant fees Agency permitting Construction costs Next Steps •Typical timeline for quiet zone designation is 18-24 months. •City Council will have opportunities throughout the quiet zone process to provide direction to staff. Award consultant services Review and approve railroad crossing improvement plans Review and consider indemnifications and liabilities •Staff will explore cost-sharing for improvements and ongoing maintenance. •Staff will explore opportunities for shared liability and insurance coverage(s). Staff Recommendation Summary 1.Provide input and comments regarding potential establishment of a quiet zone for the at-grade railroad crossings on Moorpark Avenue and Spring Road. 2.Should the City Council consider to move forward with the potential establishment of a quiet zone, direct staff to solicit proposals from engineering consultants to provide railroad engineering services.