The Federal Railroad Administration has agreed to re-examine its train noise rules and look at other measures to make it more affordable for communities to establish “quiet zones” near in-town crossings.
Colorado’s U.S. Senators Mark Udall and Michael Bennet have been pressing the FRA review its , which was established in 2005 to promote safety at railroad crossings. Cities have complained about the cost of establishing “quiet zones” that meet federal standards.
“I have long argued that the Federal Railroad Administration’s train-noise rules, while well intentioned, were not working for Colorado communities that want to spur economic development and protect residents’ quality of life,” Udall wrote in a joint statement with Bennet.
Communities will be able to make comments about the proposed changes as early as April 2014.
“The FRA’s decision to reevaluate their regulations on train horns is encouraging news to local communities,” Bennet wrote. “This step demonstrates some Colorado common sense, balancing safety concerns with the desire to revitalize urban areas, promote economic growth, and generally have reasonable peace and quiet.”
Monte Whaley: 720-929-0907, mwhaley@denverpost.com or twitter.com/montewhaley
