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INFORMATION MEMORANDUM TO: City Council FROM: Justin Femrite, P.E., City Engineer DATE: April 18, 201 I SUBJECT: BNSF Quiet Zone Update Over the last month I have reviewed the feasibility study and estimated costs that were presented in December of 2007 for establishment of a quiet zone along the BNSF railroad through Elk River. Mayor Dietz contacted me with information that Anoka is currently establishing a quiet zone for far less cost than estimated in our 2007 study. I spoke to the City of Anoka who directed me to TKDA, the consultant they hired to complete the quiet zone work through Anoka. TKDA has expert staff with comprehensive understanding of the required improvements in establishment of quiet zones. Anoka is working at establishing a quiet zone at two crossings. TKDA indicated the improvements required to establish a quiet zone in Anoka were very minor. The street crossings in Anoka had sufficient width to accommodate the required median improvements, without need to widen the roadway or relocate the existing crossing arms. In addition, the controls for the existing crossing gate systems are already upgraded and in place. The cost for improvements at each intersection on Anoka's project is estimated at $50,000 for a total project cost of $100,000. TKDA attended a meeting with me to review the proposed improvements and associated costs from the Elk River 2007 study. This review found the costs presented in the 2007 study were accurate for that time period but have since increased due to current pricing structures of the BNSF. The 2007 study estimated the full establishment of a quiet zone through Elk River would cost about $4.3 million. These costs are now estimated at $5.0 million. The cost increase reflects the higher price BNSF currently charges for the work they would be responsible to complete including all controls work, gate installations and relocations, crossing surface extensions and installation of vehicle presence detection systems. As detailed in 2007, funding for the improvements would be 100% from local funds. TKDA indicated funding opportunities for these improvements are not available from State, Federal, or Rail sources because the establishment of a quiet zone is not classified as a safety improvement. In 2007 Sherburne County indicated they would not participate in funding the quiet zone improvements. With no formal City Council direction on this project, we have not reopened any discussion with the County or any other agencies that may be affected by this project. Our work to this point has been limited to the review of our 2007 study and the estimated project costs. No costs have been incurred for this review. If you have any questions or would like additional work be completed on this issue please call. N:\Public Bodies\Ciry Council\Counal RCA\Agenda Packet\0418-2011\Quiet Zones.docx