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Quiet Zone Evaluation i New Brighton, Minnesota Executive Summary Background: An initial study was completed in 2014 assessing the 11 at-grade crossings in the City of New Brighton due to complaints regarding train horn noise. The complaints were increasing as rail service through the City of New Brighton increased. Trains must sound their horns for safety reason as they travel through the at-grade crossings in the City, most of which are in residential neighborhoods. In particular, train horns sounding late at night and early in the morning are very disruptive to the residents living near the crossings. City staff met with Minnesota Commercial Railway (MNNR) during the 2014 report process, which operates the rail line. MNNR was and is receptive to working with the City, but is ultimately responsible to their clients and unable to meet all of the City’s goals for reducing train horn noise. The City, therefore, undertook this study to determine the potential for establishing a Quiet Zone. The purpose of this report is to re-assess the 11 at-grade crossings by: 1. Reviewing any changes that have occurred at each crossing since the 2014 report. 2. Reviewing the Quiet Zone crossing rules to obtain the latest values for calculations and to ensure the implementation rules remain the same. 3. Determining the Nationwide Significant Risk Threshold (NSRT) and Quiet Zone Risk Index (QZRI) to determine what safety measures need to be implemented to fulfil Quiet Zone requirements. 4. Complete updated cost estimates for the modifications at each Quiet Zone in the City. A Quiet Zone provides safety measures at a rail crossing, such as gates, flashers, and channelizing devices on the roadway, as a substitute for the train horn. Wayside horns are an alternative option for eliminating train horns. Wayside horns are mounted at a crossing and pointed down the roadway in each direction. When a train approaches, the wayside horn is sounded instead of the train horn. While the noise from the rail crossing is not eliminated, the wayside horns direct it down the road rather than into the surrounding area resulting in less noise pollution. The at-grade rail crossings in the City were grouped into Quiet Zone areas, and the best option to reduce noise was determined for each area. The following table shows each Quiet Zone area, the recommended option, and the estimated cost to implement the improvement. These estimates do not include the cost of maintaining the Quiet Zone or wayside horn. It is estimated that just under $4.3 million will be needed to reduce the noise at all the at- grade crossings. However, implementing Quiet Zones in areas 1 to 4 would cover the areas where most complaints are generated ($1.2 million). The City could also implement one area at a time, stretching the cost over multiple years. Limited funding sources are also