Number
070479
Version
Substitute 1
Reference
Sponsor
ALD. BAUMAN
Title
Substitute resolution determining it necessary to make various non-assessable public improvements on North Plankinton Avenue.
Analysis
This resolution authorizes the Commissioner of Public Works to complete analysis and design of Supplemental Safety Measures (SSM’s) required at the current Canadian Pacific Railway Company at-grade railroad crossing on North Plankinton Avenue south of West Buffalo Street for development of a railroad Quiet Zone, and to work cooperatively with the Federal Railroad Administration, the Wisconsin Office of the Commissioner of Railroads, and the Canadian Pacific Railway Company to select and advance implementation of the most appropriate and cost effective SSM’s. This resolution also authorizes the Commissioner of Public Works to petition the Office of the Commissioner of Railroads for any crossing improvements which may require their approval, and to apply to the Federal Railroad Administration for approval of the proposed Quiet Zone.
Body
Whereas, Based on current Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) records, an average of 36 trains per day cross North Plankinton Avenue at the Canadian Pacific Railroad Company (CP) at-grade railroad crossing located south of West Buffalo Street; and
Whereas, The number of trains using this crossing is anticipated to increase with proposed improvements in rail passenger service within the Kenosha-Racine-Milwaukee corridor; and
Whereas, Whistles on locomotives must be sounded prior to trains starting up when leaving the train station trains and when entering an at-grade railroad crossing; and
Whereas, Noise created due to the increasing frequency of train whistles is becoming disruptive to local residents and businesses; and
Whereas, The requirement for trains to sound their whistles prior to entering the North Plankinton Avenue crossing and exiting the train station can be eliminated through designation of the crossing and surrounding areas as a Quiet Zone by the FRA; and
Whereas, Supplemental Safety Measures (SSM’s) to minimize the risk of train/vehicle collisions due to a ban on train whistles are required to be implemented at the North Plankinton Avenue crossing in conjunction with the development of a railroad Quiet Zone; and
Whereas, The design and implementation of certain SSM’s will require the assistance of the CP, and may require approval by the Wisconsin Office of the Commissioner of Railroads (OCR); and
Whereas, The estimated costs of SSM’s to be implemented will be developed based on the selected measures; and
Whereas, Quiet Zones may be designated by the FRA when all safety and any other conditions and requirements are shown to be met; now therefore, be it
Resolved, By the Common Council of the City of Milwaukee, that it is necessary and in the public interest to do the following described improvements according to City specifications:
4th Aldermanic District
Canadian Pacific Railway Company Railroad Crossing on North Plankinton Avenue south of West Buffalo Street (ST211070173): (Non-Assessable Reconstruction Paving Fund - $10,000) Railroad crossing safety improvements, establishment of Quiet Zone. This project is anticipated to be completed either during the 2008 construction season or coordinated with paving scheduled for 2009; and, be it
Further Resolved, That the Commissioner of Public Works is hereby authorized to determine the recommended operating limits of a railroad quiet zone in the vicinity of the North Plankinton Avenue at-grade railroad crossing south of West Buffalo Street, and the most appropriate and cost effective SSM’s needed to protect public safety at that crossing; and, be it
Further Resolved, That the Commissioner of Public Works is authorized to work cooperatively with the CP as necessary for concurrence with Quiet Zone limits and SSM’s to be developed, as well as final design and implementation of these measures; and, be it
Further Resolved, That the Commissioner of Public Works is authorized to work cooperatively with and seek any necessary approvals from the FRA and OCR in the development and approval of any SSM’s to be implemented; and, be it
Further Resolved, That the Commissioner of Public Works is hereby directed to request approval from the FRA to designate a railroad Quiet Zone to minimize excessive noise and disruption at the North Plankinton Avenue at-grade railroad crossing south of West Buffalo Street and the surrounding area as necessary, and in conjunction with implementation of appropriate SSM’s; and, be it
Further Resolved, That the City Comptroller is authorized and directed to transfer such funds, which are available for this purpose to the appropriate capital Project/Grant accounts.
Drafter
Infrastructure Services Division
RWB:lja
July 16, 2007
Quiet Zone