Work Begins on the first
of many Quieter and Safer Railroad Crossings in the North Valley
New Mexico Rail Runner Express begins construction
on Candelaria Quiet Zone
(Albuquerque, NM - November 5 2007)-
– Construction work started today on the first of several north valley
railroad crossings to be designated “Quiet Zones”. The crossing at
Candelaria Road is getting fitted with a new median with an
“unmountable curb” that will keep motorists from trying to go around a
crossing gate.
“These are the kinds of
safety enhancements that will not only keep the motoring public
safer at railroad crossings, but they will also allow us to
mitigate train horn noise for area residents”, says Lawrence
Rael, Executive Director for the Mid-Region Council of
Governments.
Currently, all trains are required to issue a warning horn as
they approach railroad crossings in the city. Federal Railroad
Administration rules released in 2005 spell out specific safety
guidelines that qualify a crossing for quiet zone status and
waive the horn blowing requirement. At a minimum, each grade
crossing must be equipped with flashing lights and barrier
gates. Additional warning signs and safety measures – such as
the type of median being constructed at Candelaria – also help
compensate for the absence of the train’s horn as a warning
device.
“The Rail Runner wants to be a good partner with neighborhoods
in the corridor”, says New Mexico Department of Transportation
Secretary Rhonda Faught. “Not only will this quiet zone work
eliminate noise from the Rail Runner, but it will also mitigate
noise from Amtrak and BNSF trains as well.”
The Candelaria crossing is one of six railroad crossings along a
stretch of track between Menaul and Osuna Boulevards in the
north valley that have been earmarked for quiet zones, utilizing
appropriations from the last legislative session.
The quiet zone modifications on Candelaria should be in place
within the next two-to-three weeks. Motorists can expect to the
closure of one or two lanes of Candelaria near the construction
area depending on the time of day. Other crossings designated
for quiet zone treatment will soon be undergoing modifications,
and train horn noise is expected to be minimized by the end of
the year.
Contacts:
- Augusta Meyers, MRCOG Communications Mgr. 505-239-8612, ameyers@mrcog-nm.gov
- S.U. Mahesh, NM Department of Transportation (505) 490-0976
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