The federal requirement that train horns be sounded at every grade crossing in or near communities nationwide has sparked a number of questions with regard to the establishment of quiet zones. The North Jersey Transportation Planning Authority (NJTPA), as northern and central New Jersey's Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO), is pleased to provide this brochure as a guide to communities throughout the state.
NJTPA Quiet Zone Brochure
In New Jersey, applicants interested in obtaining quiet zone designation should contact the NJDOT Railroad Engineering and Safety Unit in Trenton. The unit is the primary point of contact for all grade crossing related matters, and will assist communities in navigating the federal application process.
The process consists of the following major actions for which the applicant must provide documentation. Sample documents for each action are provided below.
A. Notice of Intent To Create a Quiet Zone: This document notifies NJDOT, the Federal Rail Administration, the operating railroad(s) and any other impacted parties of the intent to establish a quiet zone. It describes the location of the crossing and the supplemental safety measures to be put in place. Sample A
B. Initiation of Proceedings: This document initiates the process and notifies all concerned parties that a Diagnostic Team will be convened to review all engineering-technical proposals relating to establishment of a quiet zone. The Diagnostic Team formulates recommendations which, after providing for team and public review and comment, are forwarded to the NJDOT Commissioner for use in rendering a decision. A Diagnostic Team meeting is only official if a representative of the operating railroad(s) and a NJDOT Railroad Engineering and Safety Unit representative are present. Sample B
C. Memorandum of Record: This is a document prepared by the applicant, constituting the minutes and recommendations of the Diagnostic Team Meeting. This document is open to public comment. Sample C
D. Public Notice: A Notice is published announcing the recommendation of the Diagnostic Team meeting, the address and times where related documents can be viewed and inviting written comments. Sample D
E. Final Submission: A final document is compiled by the municipality containing Proof of Public Notice, the Quiet Zone Calculator results, public comments and responses, the agreement with the railroad(s) involved and a final plan for the crossing design. The final submission is made to the NJDOT Railroad Engineering and Safety Unit and FRA. Sample E
F. Commissioner’s Order: The NJDOT will issue the order to proceed once all required materials are received and reviewed, and all conditions met and satisfied. The FRA will receive a copy of the order at that time. Sample F
Contacts:
New Jersey Department of Transportation
Railroad Engineering and Safety Unit
(609) 530-4944
www.state.nj.us/transportation
North Jersey Transportation Planning Authority
Division of Freight Planning
(973) 639-8404
www.njtpa.org/quietzone
Federal Railroad Administration
Office of Railroad Safety
(202) 493-6285
www.fra.dot.gov
NJ Transit
Office of Government
and Community Relations
(973) 491-7195
www.njtransit.com