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New Mexico Rail Runner
Express Residents living near Menaul and Osuna will soon hear less train noise (Albuquerque, NM - January 22, 2008) – Beginning tomorrow, North Valley residents living near the stretch of railroad track between Menaul and Osuna Boulevards will be hearing less of the New Mexico Rail Runner Express. The Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) approved construction that allows the city to minimize noise impacts by investing in safety features designed to protect pedestrians and drivers from collisions at railroad crossings. Utilizing appropriations from the last legislative session, this area in Albuquerque’s north valley is the first to be designated an official “quiet zone”. “Neighborhoods and businesses along the Rail Runner corridor will now be less impacted by the sound of train horns”, says Lawrence Rael, Executive Director for the Mid-Region Council of Governments. “Senator Dede Feldman and Representatives Rick Miera and Ed Sandoval were very instrumental in securing this funding.” Until now, all trains were required to issue a warning horn as they approached railroad crossings in the city. 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. “Safety is our number one concern, and these quiet zone crossings are specifically designed to discourage motorists from trying to beat a train through the crossing”, says New Mexico Department of Transportation Secretary Rhonda Faught. Additionally, the effort supports the City of Albuquerque’s policy adopted just last year to establish quiet zones within the Rail Runner corridor. “The Rail Runner brings a valuable transportation option to our citizens and these quiet zones will help ensure public safety, as well as reduce the impact of noise in the community”, says Albuquerque Mayor Martin Chavez. “This is a significant issue to the residents of my district says Albuquerque City Councilor Debbie O’Malley. “The Rail Runner provides a great service, and this quiet zone will ensure that it will not diminish the quality of life for those it serves.” The FRA approved four of the six crossings designated
for quiet zone status. The last two – at Montaño and Osuna – should
gain federal approval by late April once the City completes lane
expansion work on Montaño. Augusta Meyers, MRCOG (505) 239-8612 |
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