2018.05.22 WS - Laserfiche WebLink

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Quiet Zone Evaluation 32 New Brighton, Minnesota Quiet Zone Area 6 Area 6 contains the single crossing of County Road D. This crossing has a high amount of vehicle traffic, close signalized intersections, and sidewalks on both sides. All of these can draw drivers’ attention. A flasher and gate crossing system would be required to replace the existing flasher span. The maximum gate arm length is 38 feet, although 32 feet is more desirable to some railroads. The FRA requires coverage of 90 percent of the approach lanes with the gate arm. The eastbound approach has two through lanes and a right-turn lane, with a total width of approximately 38 feet. With a 5-foot offset from the face of curb to the gate arm foundation, the resulting 43 feet is too great a distance to cover with a single gate arm. Rather than provide a second gate arm on a median, which would require major reconstruction of the approach, the right-turn lane could be shortened to reduce the road width to an acceptable distance. With the surrounding intersections and driveways, providing a channelization device for 100 feet or even the minimum 60 feet is not feasible. However, the use of a channelization device, even if it is less than 60 feet, is recommended to increase safety in this busy corridor. Wayside horns were then considered for this crossing. In this case, four wayside horns would be necessary to adequately warn approaching vehicles. Due to the potential for left turning traffic from the adjacent signalized intersection to turn in front of the channelization device and gate, pavement markings detailing the turn radius were included. Figure 13 shows the concept improvements for this crossing. The use of the wayside horn means that the Quiet Zone calculator is not needed. If these improvements are installed, use of the train horn could be eliminated without the need for the formal Quiet Zone process. The following would be needed for the crossing improvements of Quiet Zone Area 6:  Flasher and gate crossing system.  Reconstruction of the westbound right-turn lane on County Road D.  Channelization devices on each approach.  Pavement markings through the adjacent signalized intersection.  Wayside horns, two in each direction. Including contingencies for additional signing, pavement markings, engineering, and other miscellaneous items, the total concept cost is $770,000.