Bay City council directs staff to pursue FRA notice of intent for a railroad quiet zone focused on Union Pacific line

Bay City Council voted to direct staff to pursue a Federal Railroad Administration notice of intent to establish a railroad quiet zone, with staff and consultants recommending initial focus on improvements along the Union Pacific line.

Herb (city staff) introduced follow-up information from HDR consultant Russell McNutt on design options and costs. McNutt said the cost to implement concrete medians and other required improvements along the Union Pacific line would be “roughly $260,000,” while equivalent improvements on the Burlington Northern Santa Fe (BNSF) line could cost “potentially $2,800,000” because of additional required work and three costly locations on that line.

Council discussion centered on prioritizing the Union Pacific line to “get the best bang for the buck,” closing Avenue I where recommended, and handling the more-expensive BNSF crossings separately or later. Council members emphasized the FRA’s multi-step process and that submitting a notice of intent does not guarantee immediate establishment: staff warned the entire process could take 18 months to two years to reach final action by the FRA.

The council made a formal motion to proceed with the recommendation to submit a notice of intent focused on the Union Pacific crossings and to continue necessary design and traffic-count updates. The motion passed with one opposing vote. Staff noted some costs are already earmarked in the 2026 budget and that additional design and traffic-counts would be required before a notice of establishment is filed.

The council’s action authorizes staff to work with HDR on next steps, update traffic counts and designs, and begin the FRA notice-of-intent process. No construction was authorized; staff and the consultant urged staged work to avoid building improvements that the FRA might later require changed.