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ECitylk MEMORANDUM <br /> liver <br /> TO: Honorable Mayor and Members of the City Council <br /> FROM: Justin Femrite, P.E., City Engineer <br /> DATE: 4-18-11 <br /> SUBJECT: BNSF Quiet Zone Update <br /> Over the last month I have reviewed the feasibility study and estimated costs that were presented in <br /> December of 2007 for establishment of a quiet zone along the BNSF railroad through Elk River. <br /> Mayor Dietz contacted me with information that Anoka is currently establishing a quiet zone for far <br /> less cost than estimated in our 2007 study. I spoke to the City of Anoka who directed me to TKDA, <br /> the consultant they hired to complete the quiet zone work through Anoka. TKDA has expert staff <br /> with comprehensive understanding of the required improvements in establishment of quiet zones. <br /> Anoka is working at establishing a quiet zone at two crossings. TKDA indicated the improvements <br /> required to establish a quiet zone in Anoka were very minor. The street crossings in Anoka had <br /> sufficient width to accommodate the required median improvements,without need to widen the <br /> roadway or relocate the existing crossing arms. In addition,the controls for the existing crossing gate <br /> systems are already upgraded and in place. The cost for improvements at each intersection on <br /> Anoka's project is estimated at$50,000 for a total project cost of$100,000. <br /> TKDA attended a meeting with me to review the proposed improvements and associated costs from <br /> the Elk River 2007 study. This review found the costs presented in the 2007 study were accurate for <br /> that time period but have since increased due to current pricing structures of the BNSF. The 2007 <br /> study estimated the full establishment of a quiet zone through Elk River would cost about$4.3 <br /> million. These costs are now estimated at$5.0 million. The cost increase reflects the higher price <br /> BNSF currently charges for the work they would be responsible to complete including all controls <br /> work,gate installations and relocations,crossing surface extensions and installation of vehicle <br /> presence detection systems. <br /> As detailed in 2007,funding for the improvements would be 100% from local funds. TKDA <br /> indicated funding opportunities for these improvements are not available from State,Federal or Rail <br /> sources because the establishment of a quiet zone is not classified as a safety improvement. In 2007 <br /> Sherburne County indicated they would not participate in funding the quiet zone improvements. <br /> With no formal City Council direction on this project,we have not reopened any discussion with the <br /> County of any other agencies that may be affected by this project. Our work to this point has been <br /> limited to the review of our 2007 study and the estimated project costs. No costs have been incurred <br /> for this review. <br /> If you have any questions or would like additional work be completed on this issue please <br /> call. <br /> N:ADepartments\Public Works\Engineering\$IMPROVEMENT PROJECTS\2011 Improvement Projects\$General Engineering\418- <br /> 11 Memo on Quiet Zones.doc <br />