2014-05-27_PWETC_AgendaPacket - Laserfiche WebLink

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The rule goes into effect on June 24, 2005. Pre -Rule Quiet Zones in the six county Chicago region are excepted from the provisions of this rule pending further evaluation of the data. 2. Requirement to sound the locomotive horn: Outside of quiet zones, railroads must sound the horn 15 -20 seconds prior to a train's arrival at the highway -rail grade crossing, but not more than 1/4 mile in advance of the crossing. Note: Most State laws and railroad rules currently require that the horn be sounded beginning at a point 1/4 mile in advance of the highway -rail grade crossing and continued until the crossing is occupied by the locomotive. Under the rule, for trains running at less than 45 mph, this will reduce the time and distance over which the horn is sounded. This will reduce noise impacts on local communities. • The pattern for sounding the horn will remain, as it currently exists today (two long, one short, one long repeated or prolonged until the locomotive occupies the highway-rail grade crossing). • Locomotive engineers may vary this pattern as necessary where highway -rail grade crossings are closely spaced; and they will also be empowered (but not required) to sound the horn in the case of an emergency, even in a quiet zone. • The rule addresses use of the horn only with respect to highway -rail grade crossings. Railroads remain free to use the horn for other purposes as prescribed in railroad operating rules on file with FRA, and railroads must use the horn as specified in other FRA regulations (in support of roadway worker safety and in the case of malfunctions of highway -rail grade crossing active warning devices). • The rule prescribes both a minimum and maximum volume level for the train horn. The minimum level is retained at 96 dB(A), and the new maximum will be 110 dB(A). This range will permit railroads to address safety needs in their operating territory (see discussion in the preamble). • The protocol for testing the locomotive horn will be altered to place the sound -level meter at a height of 15 feet above top of rail, rather than the current 4 feet above the top of the rail. Cab - mounted and low - mounted horns will continue to have the sound -level meter placed 4 feet above the top of the rail. Note: The effect of this change will be to permit center - mounted horns to be "turned down" in some cases. The previous test method was influenced by the "shadow Disclaimer: This is a summary of the Final Rule for initial briefing purposes only. Entities subject to the rule should refer to the rule text as published in the Federal Register on April 27, 2005.