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ASM – Alternative Safety Measures• Modified SSMs• Engineering Improvements• Programmed Law Enforcement• Public Education and Awareness• Photo Enforcement

Alternative Safety Measures (ASM)A safety system or procedure, other than an SSM, established in accordance with this part provided by the appropriate tra�c control authority or law enforcement authority & which, after individual review & analysis by the Associate Administrator, is determined to be an e�ective substitute for the locomotive horn in the prevention of highway-rail casualties at speci�c highway-rail grade crossings.Channelization DeviceA tra�c separation system made up of a raised longitudinal channelizer, with vertical panels or tubular delineators attached, that is placed between opposing highway lanes designed to alert or guide tra�c around an obstacle or to direct tra�c in a particular direction.

where highway speeds do not exceed 40 mph. The curbs must be at least six inches high.One Way Street with Gate(s)Gate(s) must be installed such that all approaching highway lanes to the public crossing are completely blocked.Quiet Zone Risk Index (QZRI)The measure of risk to the motoring public which re�ects the Crossing Corridor Risk Index for a Quiet Zone (if horns are presently sounded at the crossings) & reduced risk due to implementation, of SSMs & ASMs within the Quiet Zone.Risk Index With Horns (RIWH)The measure of risk to the motoring public when locomotive horns are sounded at every public highway-rail grade crossing within a quiet zone.Supplementary Safety Measure (SSM)A safety system or procedure established in accordance with this part which is provided by the appropriate tra�c control authority or law

enforcement authority responsible for safety at the highway-rail grade crossing, that is determined by the Associate Administrator to be an e�ective substitute for the locomotive horn in the prevention of highway-rail casualties. Appendix A of this part lists such SSMs.Temporary ClosureDesigned to provide for a Partial Quiet Zone, required under the new FRA train horn rule, allowing train horns not to be routinely sounded during certain hours of the day (10pm-7am) by eliminating vehicular access to the crossing.Wayside HornA stationary horn located at a highway-rail grade crossing, designed to provide, upon the approach of a train, an audible warning to oncoming motorists of the approach of a train.

TerminologyFour-Quadrant Gate SystemA system of gates providing full closure of the crossing eliminating the opportunity to drive around a single lowered gate.Nationwide Signi�cant Risk Threshold (NSRT)The number re�ecting a measure of risk, calculated on a nationwide basis, re�ecting the average level of risk to the motoring public at public highway-rail grade crossings equipped with �ashing lights & gates & at which locomotive horns are sounded.Non-traversable CurbA highway curb designed to discourage a motor vehicle from leaving the roadway. Non-traversable curbs are used at locations

Preparation for Quiet Zone AnalysisFirst, verify the annual average daily traffic, train count,collision data and crossing warning devices. Next, review all crossing closure candidates, if any. Finally, develop conceptual drawings and costs for the alternatives and generate a matrix to evaluate the pros and cons of each option.

modified ssm

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7471 Benbrook Parkway • Benbrook, TX 76126 • T 817 820 6350 • F 817 820 6340 • QuietZoneTech.com

FRA Train Horn Rule OverviewEffective June 24, 2005, the Federal Railroad Administration mandated that locomotive horns be sounded at all public crossings. The regulations require that the locomotive horn begin sounding no more than 20 seconds and no less than 15 seconds prior to arrival at the crossing. Locomotive horns must be sounded between 110 and 96 decibels. The regulations provide exceptions to sounding the locomotive horn where the risk to the motoring public has been minimized by creating a Quiet Zone.

Quiet Zones

Wayside HornA stationary horn system located at the crossing designed to provide an audible warning to approaching motorists and pedestrians of an oncoming train.

• One-for-one substitute for the train horn• Can be used within or outside of a Quiet Zone• Can be used at any crossing equipped with flashing lights, gates, and constant warning time circuitry.

What is a Quiet Zone?A quiet zone is a section of a rail line thatcontains one or more consecutive public crossingsat which locomotive horns are not routinely sounded.

Four Types of Quiet Zones• Pre-Rule Quiet Zones: Areas without train horns between October 9, 1996 and December 18, 2003• Intermediate Quiet Zones: Areas without train horns after October 9, 1996 and before December 18, 2003• New Quiet Zones: Quiet Zones that do not qualify as Pre-Rule or Intermediate Quiet Zones• Partial Quiet Zones: A Quiet Zone where the train horns are not routinely sounded for a specified period of time during the evening and/or nighttime hours (10pm-7am).

SSM - Supplemental Safety Measures• Temporary Closures• Four-Quadrant Gates• Gates with Medians or Channelization Devices• One-way Streets with Gates• Permanent Closure

Creating a Quiet ZoneAny Public Authority with jurisdiction for the roadway may create a Quiet Zone. If a Quiet Zone encompasses more than one Public Authority, all parties must agree upon treatment options and all actions must be taken jointly. The Public Authority must show that the lack of a locomotive horn does not pose a significant safety risk or implement supplemental safety measures and/or wayside horns to reduce the excess risk associated with the elimination of the locomotive horn. Careful consideration must be given to the treatment options to be employed.

wayside horn system

temporary closure

four-quadrant gate

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7471 Benbrook Parkway • Benbrook, TX 76126 • T 817 820 6350 • F 817 820 6340 • QuietZoneTech.com

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