8.1. SR 04-16-2018 Eclty1� ,.,�� Request for Action
River
To Item Number
Mayor and City Council 8.1
Agenda Section Meeting Date Prepared by
General Business Aril 16, 2018 Justin Femrite, P.E., City Engineer
Item Description Reviewed by
Quiet Zone Cost Update and Ribbon Cutting Cal Portner, City Administrator
Reviewed by
Action Requested
Informational item to review Quiet Zone project costs.
Council may provide direction regarding desire for a ribbon cutting on June 14, 2018, before the first
Riverfront concert.
Background/Discussion
The year was 2007, as Elk River continued to grow in population so did the train counts on the BNSF rail
line. More trains led to more noise and more concerns of the loud horn soundings. The City Council
directed a review into establishing a Quiet Zone. Our consultant's estimated cost was $5.47 million. Any
ideas of a Quiet Zone in Elk River were abruptly muted.
Fast forward through more residents,more trains, different staff, alternative ideas, sound monitoring,
wayside horn testing, accidents, paperwork, surface agreements,legislative lobbying,MnDOT
participation, quad gate agreements,BNSF installation work,more accidents, additional paperwork,
driveway relocations, construction, and yet more paperwork... to now.
As of March,2018,we have now officially completed necessary improvements to designate all public
crossings of the BNSF Railroad in Elk River as quiet!
Elk River's total cost?
$301,787 including$51,000 of internal staff time billed toward delivering the project.
Financial Impact
No expenses beyond those costs already incurred for the project.
Attachments
■ None
The Elk River Vision
A PehoMing community 2a itb revolutionary and spirited resourcefulness, exceptional POWERED By
service, and community engagement that encourages and inspires prosperity INAWRE1