Quiet Zone Study - Palo Alto Avenue/Alma Street Crossing
Project Description
The project involves implementing a Quiet Zone at the Palo Alto Avenue/Alma Street crossing along the Caltrain Corridor. This initiative is in response to requests from residents and is being undertaken as an interim measure separate from the ongoing discussions about rail grade separation.
The establishment of a Quiet Zone would restrict the routine use of train horns at public crossings within the designated area. Federal regulations mandate that locomotive horns must begin sounding 15–20 seconds before entering public rail grade crossings, no more than one-quarter mile in advance. However, communities can opt for Quiet Zones to enhance the quality of life for residents while still adhering to safety standards.
This project is the first phase in considering Quiet Zones at various crossings within Palo Alto. Other crossings in the City will undergo a separate study to assess the feasibility and implementation of Quiet Zones.
It is important to note that while Quiet Zones aim to reduce noise pollution and improve residents' quality of life, safety remains a priority. The Federal Railroad Administration is committed to reducing collisions at highway-rail grade crossings, and any measures taken to establish Quiet Zones must still ensure the safety of both pedestrians and motorists.
Project Status
Quiet Zone Study: Completed
The quiet zone study at Palo Alto Avenue/Alma Street was conducted as joint effort with City of Menlo Park. Kimley Horn and Associated was the selected consultant to perform this study. The consultant completed the initial review of the site conditions to develop conceptual plans. In addition, a field diagnostic meeting was held amongst a team of consultant staff, staff from the City of Palo Alto, California Public Utilities Commission, Caltrain, and Federal Railway Administration to review the existing conditions at the crossing for developing recommendations to implement the Quiet Zone.
A community outreach meeting was held on March 23, 2023 at Arrillaga Family Recreation Center-Oak Room 701 Laurel Street, Menlo Park, CA 94025. After conducting public outreach, the project was reviewed by the Planning and Transportation Committee in April 2023 followed by Rail Committee in May 2023. The City Council reviewed and approved the study and conceptual plan in June 2023.
Quiet Zone Implementation Process (In progress)
Click each step for details
Step 1
Preparation of Design Documents: This step involves creating detailed design plans and specifications for the required improvements at the Palo Alto Avenue/Alma Street crossing and any other identified crossings. These documents outline the specific changes needed to establish the Quiet Zone, such as additional safety measures or infrastructure upgrades.
Step 2
Review and Authorization: Once the design documents are prepared, they must undergo review and authorization from relevant authorities. This includes the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC), Caltrain, and the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA). These agencies will assess the proposed improvements to ensure they meet safety standards and regulatory requirements.
Step 3
Construction of Improvements: After receiving approval from the necessary authorities, the construction phase can begin. Contractors will implement the planned improvements at the designated crossings according to the approved design documents.
Step 4
Request for Notice of Intent and Notice of Implementation: Following the completion of construction, the local agency (in this case, the City of Palo Alto) must formally request a "Notice of Intent" and a "Notice of Implementation" from the Federal Railroad Administration. These notices signify the city's intention to establish the Quiet Zone and indicate that the required improvements have been completed.
Step 5
Establishment of Quiet Zone: Upon receiving the Notice of Intent and Notice of Implementation, the Federal Railroad Administration will review the documentation and officially establish the Quiet Zone at the designated crossings. Once established, routine use of train horns at public crossings within the Quiet Zone will be restricted, enhancing the quality of life for residents while maintaining safety standards.
Project Timeline
-
Fall 2022
Field Review/Data Collection/Initial concept planning
-
Winter 2022
Preliminary Analysis, Federal Railroad Administration (FRA), California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC), Caltrain/Joint Powers Board (JPB) Review
-
Summer 2023
Finalized and Adopted the Quiet Zone Study Recommendation by the City Council
-
Fall 2023
Procured the services of the Consultant to prepare design documents.
-
Spring/Summer 2024
Preparing project design documents and seeking necessary approvals.
Meetings
Location Map
