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Shell Rock resident asks Butler County to explore overnight train 'quiet zone' near Logistics Park
Summary
A Shell Rock resident told the Butler County Board of Supervisors that train horns tied to increased rail traffic from the Logistics Park are sounding through the night and asked the board to pursue a "quiet zone"; the county engineer said he would contact Iowa DOT and railroad personnel to begin discussions.
Derek Kramer of Shell Rock told the Butler County Board of Supervisors on Feb. 25 that railroad traffic has increased since the expansion of the Logistics Park and that his neighborhood has experienced overnight horn blasts.
"The railroad traffic has increased with the Logistics Park expansion which results in blowing their horns throughout the night," Kramer said, asking the board about establishing a "quiet zone" during certain overnight hours.
Engineer John Riherd told the board he would reach out to personnel he knows at the Iowa Department of Transportation and the railroad to "initiate that conversation," signaling the county will explore whether a quiet zone is feasible.
The board did not take formal action at the meeting. Quiet zones typically require coordination with state and federal agencies and may require infrastructure changes; Riherd said he will report back with findings and any recommended next steps.
The supervisors heard the comment during the public-comment portion of the meeting and did not set a timeline for follow-up.
