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August 23, 2007 <br /> CONTACT: Tom Larsen, Traffic Engineer, 541-682-4959 <br /> From Public Information Section, 682-5523 or 954-2938 <br /> FOR IMMEaIATE RELEASE <br /> Public Forum Slated August 28 on Railroad Quiet Zone Study <br /> A public forum on the feasibility of establishing a "railroad quiet zone" to limit train horns in <br /> the downtown and Whiteaker areas will be held Tuesday, August 28, from 7 to 9 p.m. at the <br /> Campbell Center, 155 High St. The study area includes 10 crossings from Van Buren Street on <br /> the west end to Eighth Avenue at Hilyard Street on the east end. <br /> ' The forum is part of a Eugene City Council-requested study of the quiet zone issue. The <br /> forum will offer background information about railroad quiet zones, a presentation on alternatives <br /> and options including street closures, and opportunities for discussion and comment. Afollow-up <br /> session on October 16 will review the results of the first meeting and look at one or two <br /> ~ alternatives in greater depth. A special forum for area businesses is scheduled on Thursday, <br /> September 6, from 3 to 5 p.m. in the Tykeson Room at the Eugene Public Library, 100 W. 10th <br /> Ave. <br /> In June 2006, the council directed the city manager to study the necessary steps and <br /> ' determine community support for street closures to obtain state funding for crossing safety <br /> I <br /> f improvements that could result in a quiet zone. The council asked that no closings or conversions <br /> occur until a public process has been completed and council gives final approval to any <br /> recommended measures. <br /> Staff has determined that up to five railroad crossings may need to be closed for the City <br /> to be eligible for state funding. Streets tentatively identified for possible closure include Monroe, <br /> Madison, Jefferson, Lawrence and Lincoln. Other safety measures that likely would be required <br /> to obtain aquiet-zone status include special gates, medians and/or channelizing islands at the <br /> ~ remaining railroad crossings. <br /> i <br /> Following the public involvement phase of the study, staff will present its findings to <br /> <br /> I <br /> the council at a work session tentatively scheduled for November 28. More information about the <br /> quiet zone study can be found on the City's web site at www.eugene-or.pov/trains. <br /> Eugene Public Works • www.eugene-or.gov/pw <br /> 858 Pearl Street, Eugene, Oregon 97501 • 541-682-5523 • fax 541-682-6826 • e-mail pwadmin@ci.eugene.or.us <br /> <br />