Columbus council approves $39,228 study to explore downtown "quiet zone" for trains

The Columbus City Council on June 16, 2025 approved a $39,228 professional services agreement with SRF Consulting Group to perform a Quiet Zone analysis for the downtown railroad area. The council adopted resolution R25-92 after discussion about federal requirements and practical limits of a quiet zone.

Council members said the study would identify options and costs for meeting Union Pacific and federal standards that would allow trains to stop sounding horns at the city’s two at-grade downtown crossings. “For the public that doesn't understand the terminology quiet zone, we are looking at the possibility of how could we make the trains not blow their whistles going through Downtown,” a council member said during discussion.

City staff explained the study will outline required infrastructure and likely costs. “The technology that needs to be put into the tracks and around your intersections is quite expensive,” a staff member said, adding the study will provide dollar estimates and steps to work with Union Pacific. Staff also noted the study was added previously as a capital improvement project tied to discussions about the viaduct.

Several council members pressed that a quiet zone would not solve another frequent complaint: trains stopping and blocking downtown intersections for extended periods. “This is a totally different discussion than talking about a quiet zone,” one council member said, arguing the city still must press Union Pacific about blocked intersections. Another council member said residents would welcome fewer horn blasts but worried the city might spend money on a study even if Union Pacific does not cooperate.

The council approved the SRF Consulting contract after a motion and second; the record does not name the mover or seconder. An earlier exchange among council and the city attorney clarified voting rules: the mayor may cast a deciding vote under recent changes to state law, and the mayor did cast a vote so the measure carried.

The study does not commit the city to construction or to specific infrastructure changes; it will recommend options, estimated costs and next steps for negotiations with Union Pacific if the council chooses to pursue implementation. The timeline and final decisions on any physical work will require additional council approvals and possible coordination or cost-sharing agreements with the railroad.

A final vote to adopt the study results and fund any subsequent work would be required at a later meeting.