Twp. takes step to create railroad 'quiet zones' Council approved $4,000 feasibility study to combat train noise BY KATHY CHANG Staff Writer Woodbridge Township officials say they have taken a huge step forward at last week's council meeting with the approval of a feasibility study that is the first phase of the township-wide project to establish "quiet zones" at priority roadway or railroad crossings throughout the township. "The feasibility study will allow us to fully determine the extent of loud and continuous train whistles that impact the quality of life for residents living along railroad right of ways throughout the township," said Mayor John E. McCormac. "This study will tell us where the problems are and will provide a cost estimate for the improvements needed to establish 'quiet zones,' as allowed by federal regulation, at the problem crossings." The feasibility study was unanimously approved by the Township Council on Jan. 16. In 2005, the Federal Railroad Administration established the "use of locomotive horns at highway-rail grade crossings." The regulation requires trains to sound a locomotive horn at all public crossings for at least 15 seconds before entering the crossing. The regulation also created a "quiet zone" provision upon installation of safety measures, which comply with the federal regulatory process. "Once the quite zones are established, the extended blasts from train whistles will decrease and should provide less disruption to area residents," said Ward 1 Councilman Charles Kenny. "Additionally, township health inspectors will continue to monitor train activity in Sewaren, and the Woodbridge Police Department will work to limit train and rail activity blocking Woodbridge Avenue in Sewaren and other vehicle or rail crossings." Township officials have hired Maser Consultants, a professional engineering firm with extensive experience in engineering and developing "quiet zones," to conduct the $4,000 feasibility study. The study will review existing railroad crossings located at the Conrail Port Reading Line, at grade crossings located at Amboy Avenue, Rahway Avenue, Blair Avenue and Woodbridge Avenue." As part of the feasibility study, township inspectors and consulting engineers will gather information about track and crossing jurisdiction [municipal, county, state or federal], existing track and grade conditions and equipment such as warning devices, lights and gates. The study will be followed by a priority schedule to establish "quiet zones" at the designated crossing locations. McCormac said the "quiet zone" study is only a small part of a larger effort to reduce excessive train noise and air pollution related to railroad operations throughout the Township. "We have held extensive meetings with representatives from Conrail and Norfolk Southern railroads, and Motiva Enterprises located in Sewaren to address the concerns of area residents," he said. "As a result of the meetings, township officials are in the final stages of obtaining agreements that will work to reduce the late night and early morning movement of trains at the Motiva facility, the staging of trains and tanker cars along certain sections of track in Sewaren and Port Reading, and revised operation schedules for Conrail and Norfolk Southern trains moving through Woodbridge." Township health inspectors issued three notice violations to Conrail charging excessive train noise at the Motiva Refinery yard in Sewaren over the last three months. Residents are encouraged to report idling trains and diesel smoke emissions to the Middlesex County Air Pollution Control Program between 8:30 a.m. and 4:15 p.m. Monday through Friday at (732) 745-8490. Residents can contact the Middlesex County Sheriff's Office before 8:30 a.m. and after 4:15 p.m. weekends and holidays at (732) 745-3271. Complaints regarding excessive noise should be directed to the township health department at (732) 855-0500. All information will remain confidential. After a call, a representative will come to a resident's home and observe the situation. If the train is idling for 15 minutes or more, and there is diesel odor in the air, the health department may take appropriate action.