HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) — For people living in areas where trains pass through, it can be frustrating to hear the horn at different times of the day. The City of Houston said it developed a Quiet Zone Program to address the noise near neighborhoods.
However, getting those zones approved could take years, according to some councilmembers.
So, what exactly is a Quiet Zone? Union Pacific defined it as a stretch of railroad where trains are not allowed to blow their horns at road crossings. The Federal Railroad Administration oversees Quiet Zones.
Houston Public Works Director Randy Macchi said there are currently 13 Quiet Zones in the city.
For a city to establish one, it must first install additional safety features, like special barriers at intersections. Councilmember Joaquin Martinez said that’s where the cost becomes a hurdle.
“Each of these intersections are about half a million dollars,” Martinez said during Tuesday’s public session meeting.
Councilmember Martinez also mentioned that the city’s Quiet Zone funds dried up back in 2019. However, he pointed out that the funding isn’t the only obstacle.
“It’s not just city dollars,” Martinez said. “It’s also going to be in partnership with whatever railroad, and more than likely the Union Pacific, who also has to accept this application and work with us as well.”
In a statement to ABC13, Martinez said they work as quickly as possible, but it normally takes several years to complete a Quiet Zone project.
He said the process includes the following: A diagnostic review of the crossing. An application filed by the city with the Federal Railroad Administration, followed by an application review. The development and review of engineering designs. The contractual negotiations between the city and the railroad. The acquisition of material, some of which is specifically designed for the crossing.
The scheduling of the specialized work crews to complete construction. According to the city’s website, ten neighborhoods are currently seeking Quiet Zone status. Houston Mayor John Whitmire told ABC13 the city will push to secure more funding.
But in the meantime, he said, residents deserve better communication.
“The individuals that have been waiting on the list, the neighborhoods need to be kept informed,” Mayor Whitmire said.
The Federal Administration acknowledged that this can be a very costly process, because of the required increased safety measures. On top of that, the FRA said there is no dedicated funding assistance at the federal level for this either.
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