Andrew Martins, Managing Editor
Four railroad crossings were recently re-certified as quiet zones by a licensed engineer and the Federal Railroad Administration, giving residents living nearby some official assurances that conductors will not sound their horns during the night.
The crossings, each part of the Norfolk Southern line, were inspected earlier this year on April 28 and July 11 by a licensed professional engineer from Maser Consulting P.A.
During the Aug. 8 township committee meeting, Committeeman Greg Burchette announced that upgrades at each of the four crossings were found to be compliant with the U.S. Code section titled “Approved Supplementary Safety Measures.”
“With the railroad upgrades being re-certified, Hillsborough will continue to qualify for the Federal Railroad Administration’s Quiet Zone designation along the Northern Southern Line,” Burchette said.
Township officials said the initial project to upgrade the crossings required the construction of four-foot-wide, 100-foot-long, raised islands at both approaches to the crossing and the installation of a “Power-Out” indicator at the Beekman Lane, Auten Road and Roycefield Road crossings. Additionally, the project called for the construction of two new gates at the Valley Road crossing.
The construction of new safety features were completed at the Beekman Lane and Auten Road crossings in 2008, while the Valley Road and Roycefield Road crossing improvements were finished in 2010.
Quiet zones at each crossing were implemented shortly after construction was complete.
Officials pointed out that the works ultimately cost less than previously anticipated. A $250,000 donation from Beazer Homes, the developer of the Pleasant View Estates, also helped drive down the price.
As the committee’s liaison to engineering, Burchette said the re-certifications will bring a “major positive impact on the quality of life for thousands of residents” living near the crossroads.
