Upgraded Railroad Crossing Could Soon Bring Quiet to Belen Area Residents

A fourth railroad crossing gets new gates and flashing lights for added safety

(Valencia County, NM – March 19, 2008)- As part of a continuing effort to improve and consolidate crossings in the commuter rail corridor, the crossing at Aragon Road - about a half-mile north of the Belen Rail Runner station - has been outfitted with a four-quadrant crossing gate system that will make the surrounding area eligible to be designated a “quiet zone”. The Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) approved construction that allows communities to minimize noise impacts by investing in safety features designed to protect pedestrians and drivers from collisions at railroad crossings. Unlike the traditional crossing gates which block traffic with one crossing arm on each side of the track, the four-quadrant gates barricade all four lanes in both directions, preventing motorists from trying to beat a train through the crossing.

“This is the first four-quadrant system to be installed in the Rail Runner corridor, says Lawrence Rael, Executive Director for the Mid-Region Council of Governments. “The upgrades we’re making will give motorists an extra layer of safety, as well as reduce the impact of noise in the community.”

Up until recently, all trains were required to issue a warning horn as they approached railroad crossings in the corridor. But Federal Railroad Administration rules released in 2005 outlined specific safety guidelines that would qualify a crossing for quiet zone status when equipped with additional warning signs and safety measures to compensate for the absence of the train’s horn as a warning device. Back in January, the stretch of track between Menaul and Osuna Boulevards in Albuquerque’s north valley was the first area in the Rail Runner corridor to be designated an official quiet zone. 

“The Department is committed to providing an efficient, convenient, and safe transportation system, and this measure fits right into that goal,” Transportation Secretary Rhonda Faught said. “The Rail Runner brings a valuable transportation option to our citizens and these quiet zones will help ensure public safety.”

This is the fourth crossing in the past four months to be upgraded with gates and flashing signal lights. While the Quad gates at Aragon have already been installed, the crossing is still utilizing its existing lights and flashers. The new gates should become operational by the first week in April.

The Mid-Region Council of Governments, which implements the Rail Runner project for the state, will apply for quiet zone status for the Aragon Road area. The actual quiet zone designation could come as soon as the next 60-days.

CONTACT:  Augusta Meyers, MRCOG Communications Mgr. 505-239-8612, ameyers@mrcog-nm.gov

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