City Seeking Public Input on Creating A Railroad Quiet Zone In Downtown Dubuque

As part of the study, the City is seeking input on the impacts of train noise in Dubuque and the public's interest in creating a quiet zone.

Due to a recent merger between Canadian Pacific and Kansas City Southern Railways, train traffic in Dubuque is expected to increase from approximately six to nine trains per day to as many as 18 trains per day by the year 2027. Due to the expected increase in train noise pollution, the City is exploring the idea of creating a quiet zone.

Noise pollution can have negative effects on humans such as stress-related illnesses, loss of productivity, insomnia, and devaluation of properties. Quiet zones are intended to improve the quality of life for those who live and work near a railroad crossing.

A railroad quiet zone is a federal designation for a single crossing or series of crossings where train operators are restricted from sounding their horns or whistles, except in emergencies or specific situations outlined by local regulations. Quiet zones only apply to crossings and do not include rail yards or passenger stations.

To qualify for a quiet zone designation, municipalities must implement safety measures such as improving or adding crossing gates, installing raised medians between traffic lanes adjacent to crossing gates, additional signage, and other safety enhancements to ensure the safety of motorists and pedestrians in the absence of train horns. The goal of establishing a quiet zone is to reduce noise pollution while still maintaining safety at railroad crossings.

The public is invited to fill out a short survey at www.cityofdubuque.org/quietzonesurvey. The survey will open until 5 p.m. on Wednesday, May 15. To receive a paper copy of the survey, please call the Engineering Department at 563-589-4270.

The City and Dubuque Metropolitan Area Transportation Study (DMATS) has hired Anderson Bogert Engineers & Surveyors from Cedar Rapids to work directly with the Federal Rail Administration, the Iowa Department of Transportation (Iowa DOT), and railroads to study approximately 30 crossings within the populated urban and rural zones of the Dubuque metropolitan area, including 16 crossings within Dubuque city limits. In addition to the City of Dubuque, Dubuque County, the City of Peosta, and the City of East Dubuque are participating in the study.

For further questions or comments regarding the study, contact the Engineering Department at 563-589-4270.

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