Township Committee files notice of intent
By:Purvi Desai
The blaring horns sounding off four times at each railroad crossing on Beekman Lane, Auten, Valley and Roycefield roads could very soon be eliminated, thanks to the efforts of township officials.
The Township Committee on Tuesday night approved the filing of an official Notice of Intent (NOI) with the Federal Railroad Administration to establish Quiet Zones through various constructions.
Although original costs for the constructions were estimated to be $500,000 or more, two or three years ago, Township Traffic Engineer Maurice Rashed, who is preparing the NOI application, said the new costs are now approximately $300,000.
"Elimination of train horns will be a very significant improvement in the quality of life for thousands of our residents," Committeeman Bob Wagner said. "The good news is that it will cost less than we originally were advised."
Township Administrator Kevin Davis said the elimination of quadrant gates at three of the four train crossings helping in cutting the costs required to make these intersections into Quiet Zones.
Among changes to be made at the crossings include the installations of 4-inch wide and 100-foot- long raised islands at both approaches to crossings at Beekman Lane, and Auten and Roycefield roads, while Valley Road would have the construction of two new gates, which will cross the entire roadway.
The four train crossings will also get additional signage and striping and the installation of a "power out" indicator.
At present, the four crossings have gates, warning indicators, constant warning train detection and sign cantilevers.
"The purpose of the NOI is to provide an opportunity for railroads and state agencies to provide comments and recommendations to the Township as it is planning the Quiet Zone," Mr. Rashed said, adding that "by approving the NOI, the township is meeting the established timetable."
The developer of the Pleasant View Estates, Beazer Homes, has dedicated a $250,000 offsite contribution for the establishment of the quiet zones, Mr. Davis said. The township has also allocated $100,000 in previous years’ capital budgets, he said.
Federal regulations require that the NOI must be filed with the Federal Railroad Administration in Washington, D.C., the New Jersey Department of Transportation Rail Safety Division, and with the Norfolk Southern Corporation in Roanoke, Va.
The Norfolk Southern rail line is the one that passes through the four crossings that will be designated Quiet Zones, Mr. Davis said. In the future, he said the township will look at the other rail line, Conrail or CSX, which only has one crossing on Sunnymead Road.
"There’s not as many homes there that are impacted," Mr. Davis said. "We are going to be looking at that in the future."