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Committee reviews resident request about train-horn quiet zones, notes federal rule and railroad control
Summary
A resident asked whether Charles Town could establish nighttime quiet zones under 49 CFR Part 222; the committee noted federal rule requirements, the railroad’s role in approving crossing changes and suggested city-controlled interim steps like stop bars or stop signs and coordination with neighboring Ranson.
An anonymous resident request asked whether the city could create a nighttime quiet zone at Charles Town crossings under 49 CFR Part 222. Committee members said federal rules allow quiet zones but only if the increased risk from silencing horns is mitigated; they emphasized that the railroad and DOH are key decision-makers for crossing upgrades and that the city must coordinate with neighboring Ranson because crossings abut both jurisdictions.
A committee member noted a recent train/vehicle incident at Lawrence and said that, given that history, the railroad might be reluctant to curtail horn use. Members suggested city-controlled measures that do not require railroad approval — installing stop bars, repainting curb markings or installing stop signs where within city authority — as interim safety steps. Staff also suggested collecting traffic counts (pneumatic tubes) or requesting a state traffic study; staff estimated a local traffic study could be under $5,000 if done privately.
No formal action was taken; staff will note the request and discuss next steps, including potential traffic counts and whether to request DOH or railroad review as part of a formal quiet-zone evaluation.
