title
Resolution Authorizing the City Manager to Deliver a Notice of Intent to Establish a Quiet Zone with the Federal Railroad Administration Pursuant to 49 CFR Part 222
body
|
Department: |
Economic Development |
Meeting Date: |
8/19/2025 |
|
Contact Name: |
Aubrey Parsley |
Public Hearing: |
No |
|
Contact Phone: |
910-200-8382 |
Advertising Date/Advertised By: |
N/A |
|
Attachments: |
Attachment #1: Resolution |
PURPOSE:
The purpose of this resolution is to authorize the City Manager to deliver a notice of intent to the Federal Railroad Administration (“FRA”), the North Carolina Department of Transportation’s Rail Division (“NCDOT”), and CSX Transportation, Inc. (“CSX”), to establish a “Quiet Zone” pursuant to 49 CFR Part 222.
BACKGROUND:
The FRA Train Horn Rule (49 CFR Part 222) requires train horns to be blown at every public at-grade crossing unless a Quiet Zone has been established and authorized by the appropriate public authorities. Within Wilmington, approximately 50,000 of the City’s approximately 125,000 residents live within a half mile of a public, at-grade crossing.
A Quiet Zone is a section of rail line that is at least .5 miles in length that contains one or more consecutive public highway at-grade crossings where locomotive horns are not routinely sounded when a train approaches the crossing. There are currently approximately 1,000 active Quiet Zones across the United States that encompass over 5,500 at-grade crossings.
Significant safety improvements are typically required at public at-grade crossings to be eligible for a Quiet Zone. However, NCDOT’s P-5740 project is currently programmed and funded to implement numerous supplemental safety measures at most at-grade crossings across the City’s railroad route. Initial review indicates these planned improvements may be sufficient for the rail line between King Street and S. Front Street to qualify for the Quiet Zone program, with limited to no additional City funding required. If approved, obtaining a Quiet Zone designation could significantly minimize noise impacts to a significant portion of the City and enhance the quality of life for thousands of residents and visitors.
Authorizing a Notice of Intent is the first step in a multi-step approval process. If authorized, staff would then continue to pursue additional information regarding program requirements specific to Wilmington, and would return to Council with specific eligibility and funding requirements, if any.
budget
BUDGET IMPACT:
N/A
recommendation
RECOMMENDATION / ACTION REQUESTED:
Passage of the resolution is recommended.