HomeMy WebLinkAboutDocumentation_Workshop_Tab 02_12/4/2023 Agenda Item #2.
Workshop
STAFF MEMO
Meeting: Workshop - Dec 04 2023
Staff Contact: Jeremy Allen, Village Manager Department: Manager
Discuss Implementation of Quiet Zone for the Tequesta Drive Railroad Crossing
Quiet Zones
The Village has maintained "Establish Safe and Quiet Railroad Crossing" as part of the Strategic Plan
dating back to 2021 and has been discussed beyond 2021. As part of the discussion the Village
would hold off on any further discussion about a "Quiet Zone" application until Brightline had an
established schedule.
A mechanism has been established whereby localities that could meet certain safety requirements
might designate as a "quiet zone" a segment of a rail line of a public highway-rail grade crossings.
Upon satisfying the regulation's technical requirements, locomotive horns would not be routinely
sounded within this quiet zone.
Localities that want to establish a quiet zone are first required to mitigate the increased risk caused by
the absence of a horn. Several years ago the Village implemented safety measures at the crossing
that mitigate some of the safety risk with the dual track and one of which being a high speed rail. It is
important to note, train horns may still be used in emergency situations or to comply with other
Federal regulations or railroad operating rules.
The application is submitted through the Federal Railroad Administration. The process will take
several months. There is no cost associated with the application itself.
There are two crossings adjacent to Tequesta Drive Crossings. Below is the status of those:
County Line Crossing - Martin County - Will review in one year (September 2024) - Official
Response from Martin County Regarding Quiet Zones is below which I have confirmed with the
County Administrator.
"Thank you for your interest in quiet zones for the railroad crossings in the Florida East Coast (FEC)
right of way. Martin County has worked with Brightline to upgrade the safety features at our crossings
to make them eligible for quiet zones in the future. Our reticence to immediately request quiet zones
does not relate entirely upon liability, but rather for the safety of our public. Sounding of horns is an
important safety measure to make residents crossing the FEC right of way be aware of an incoming
train. We realize that this safety measure can be a nuisance to the residents who purchased homes
or choose to recreate near the tracks, but initially the value of the safety measure outweighs the
inconvenience until we see how our public handles the faster and more frequent trains. As you may
be aware, there was a spate of pedestrian and cyclist injuries due to trespassing on the tracks in the
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Agenda Item #2.
counties to our south during the initial implementation period for the West Palm Beach to Miami
service, and we do not want similar issues in our community. Further, many of our seasonal
residents have not yet returned to the area, and they need time to acclimate to the higher speed
trains at the crossings prior to implementation of quiet zones.
Our intent for the crossings under our jurisdiction is to monitor the safety of our public for one year
(until September 2024) and track any issues that may occur, of which we hope there are none. We
then will evaluate which crossings should be converted to quiet zones based on the data that we
capture during the one-year period. Requesting quiet zones in advance without performing this
review would be a disservice to the safety of our residents in our opinion."
Riverside Drive - Jupiter - Town of Jupiter is currently working through some details with FEC and
Brightline relating to safety fencing along the corridor. Jupiter is actively pursuing the "Quiet Zone"
designation for the crossing. No known timeline.
Staff has received one inquiry into the matter from a resident.
This document and any attachments may be reproduced upon request in an alternative format by
completing our Accessibility Feedback Form, sending an e-mail to the Village Clerk or calling 561-
768-0443.
BUDGET • •
BUDGET AMOUNT NA AMOUNT AVAILABLE NA EXPENDITURE AMOUNT: NA
FUNDING SOURCES: NA IS THIS A PIGGYBACK:
❑ Yes ❑x N/A
DID YOU OBTAIN 3 QUOTES?
❑ Yes ❑x N/A
COMMENTS/EXPLANATION ON SELECTIONNA
POTENTIAL MOTION - • •
Provide direction to staff on pursuing the "Quiet Zone".
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