EGF examines Quiet Zone plan

The next step in creating a railroad quiet zone in East Grand Forks is an engineering agreement between the city and BNSF.

The city council reviewed the document at last night’s (Tuesday) work session. Under the plan the railroad would hire a sub-contractor at an estimated cost of nearly $35,000 dollars which would be at the city’s expense. The consultant would provide engineering services to review the plans and prepare a detailed diagnostic review of crossing upgrades and enclosures.

City Administrator David Murphy says he has some concerns with the agreement.  “The railroad typically does not promote Quiet Zones.  That usually comes from the community.  So they view it as a community responsibility.”

The city has been working with BNSF since January on the steps needed to implement a quiet zone to eliminate the need to sound train horns in and around Sacred Heart School.

Picture:  EGF staff report