ORLANDO, FL – At its July meeting, the MetroPlan Orlando board approved a staff analysis of the 96 crossings along phase one of the SunRail corridor to determine what is necessary to bring the crossings to a quiet zone-ready state.
To improve safety at railroad crossings, the Federal Railroad Administration established the latest version of the federal train horn rule in 2005, requiring train operators to sound train horns in advance of all highway crossings. The rule gives communities along rail lines the option of silencing horns by establishing quiet zones. In order to exercise this option, crossings must have the required safety engineering improvements to reduce the risk of collisions.
“SunRail is the region’s number one transportation priority and keeping the community safe at railroad crossings is crucial,” said MetroPlan Orlando Chairman and Orange County Commissioner Bill Segal. “I’m pleased that the Municipal Advisory Committee brought this matter to the board’s attention. It’s an opportunity for us to coordinate with the communities along the SunRail line and improve safety for everyone.”
The advisory committee, which is made up of elected officials from Orange, Osceola, and Seminole Counties, initially decided to form a Quiet Zone Subcommittee in March 2010 to discuss ways to improve safety and ensure quality of life for municipalities in the SunRail corridor. Committee members concluded that support was needed from the MetroPlan Orlando board to conduct the quiet zones analysis.
The staff analysis will include coordination with the Florida Department of Transportation and Volusia Transportation Planning Organization. Once complete, staff will make a recommendation on the potential project cost and scope of work and will strive to identify funding within the MetroPlan Orlando work program that may be used should contractual services be required. If staff determines that contractual services are needed, they will approach the board for approval at the September meeting.
This MetroPlan Orlando board action comes at an opportune time. The Federal Railroad Administration recently instructed FDOT to complete a statewide plan to improve safety at railroad crossings. The quiet zones analysis will put Central Florida ahead of the curve on this issue.
About MetroPlan Orlando
MetroPlan Orlando is the metropolitan transportation planning organization for Orange, Osceola and Seminole Counties. MetroPlan Orlando provides the forum for local elected officials and transportation experts to work together to improve transportation for Central Florida residents, businesses and visitors. For more information, visit www.metroplanorlando.com, or call 407.481.5672.