2 replies to this topic

[CNJRoss]

The Town Talk, Alexandria, LA, 1/26:

'Quiet zone' at railroad crossing could be costly

 

A proposal to establish a "quiet zone" so that trains wouldn't blow their horns at night near an Alexandria hotel could be potentially costly and set a precedent that could lead to future costs.

 

Because of those issues, Alexandria city officials have indicated they would tread carefully in deciding on the request from officials representing the La Quinta Inn & Suites on Calhoun Drive, near the intersection of Interstate 49 and Airbase Road.

 

SNIP

 

"We had no idea that it could possibly increase the liability of the city significantly" if a quiet zone was put in place as requested by La Quinta, Fowler said.

 

He also noted that the hotels and other businesses in that area were built long after the railroad crossing became an intersection where trains blow their horns.

 

Read more here.

[KevinKorell]

Well the hotel customers might not be getting full disclosure from the hotel property that they are next to a railroad crossing, and thus they may have a valid case.

The hotel itself, in locating next to a crossing, should know that some customers don't approve of the noise.

And as we seasoned travelers know, we hear train horns a LOT more as passengers than the people in the hotel. Hasn't bothered me even when the sleepers are up front behind the engine.

[CNJRoss]

The Town Talk, Alexandria, LA, 1/29:
 

Railroad 'quiet zone' would not be cheap

 

Creating a "quiet zone" to keep trains from blowing their horns near the Airbase Road railroad crossing would be more complicated — and more costly — than first thought.

 

SNIP

 

Trey Gist, assistant city attorney, told the council's Finance and Legal Committee that a second railroad crossing would be within the radius of the proposed quiet zone. The city would be expected to pay to upgrade the safety features of the second crossing if it proceeded with establishing a quiet zone for the Airbase Road crossing.

 

SNIP

 

Matthew Sikes, a Dallas attorney representing La Quinta on the request for the quiet zone, indicated La Quinta would be willing to pay some costs, but he is not sure how much at this point. Also, it's possible other hotels in that area might join in a cost-sharing arrangement if the project were to proceed, he said.

 

Read more here.