Mesquite, Texas, continues to pursue railroad quiet zone

Written by jrood

Mesquite, Texas, is pursuing a "quiet zone" along the Union Pacific railway corridor that cuts through the middle of town, the Dallas Morning News reports. In a quiet zone, if railroad crossings meet certain federal standards, trains no longer sound their horns unless the engineer sees a danger on the tracks.

Public works official
Jerry Dittman explained to the city council that when the city started looking
into quiet zone designation, it found itself needing about $1 million to
implement a plan. By waiting, the city’s evaluation improved because two 2004
accidents are now off the books.

Federal processes
regarding railways are long and thorough, as Dittman has experienced, and the
city is still 12-18 months from a Mesquite quiet zone becoming reality.

The staff recommendation
included closing the crossing at Ebrite Street, where 800 cars a day cross the
tracks. Bringing Ebrite up to standards would cost $75,000-$100,000, Dittman
said.

The council was polled and
by a 4-2 count opted to keep Ebrite open.

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