Quiet Zone for San Marco/Downtown and Surrounding Areas

[Lunican]

https://youtu.be/hSrT_ll2vg8?t=31

[Non-RedNeck Westsider]

https://www.youtube.com/v/hSrT_ll2vg8?

[I-10east]

I've never understood why there isn't an overpass "grade seperated crossing" to get to Baptist / Wolfson. I see ambulances get stuck all the time coming south over the acosta and main street bridges.

I totally agree. Something must be done with that. What a debacle.

[jaxjaguar]

^That video has nothing to do with either side of the argument.

1. The train honks it's horn.
2. There are NO crossing arms or gates. Nothing malfunctioned this crossing has no barricade at all, which is insane.
3. The driver ignored the flashing lights and horn thinking she could beat the train, according to the local news station.
4. The driver was speeding.

[I-10east]

^^^Preach.

[Lunican]

^That video has nothing to do with either side of the argument.

1. The train honks it's horn.
2. There are NO crossing arms or gates. Nothing malfunctioned this crossing has no barricade at all, which is insane.
3. The driver ignored the flashing lights and horn thinking she could beat the train, according to the local news station.
4. The driver was speeding.

Seems related. It's a video (from days ago) of what occurs every 90 minutes on U.S. railroads and the basis for the federal law that requires trains blow their horns.  There are ways to set up a quiet zone but they cost money and aren't garaunteed. The most reliable thing to do is close the crossing.

[I-10east]

Every crossing cannot be a separated grade crossing obviously; Although it's insane that FEC crossing on the Southbank near those hospitals isn't. IMO a simple train crossing buck with gate should be the minimum standard. There WILL be people that go around the gate, and crash with a train. You can't stop stupid...

[PeeJayEss]

The video seems to show that a barrier would be much more effective than a horn.

[Lunican]

No need to guess on this stuff. Here is the study on whistle bans on the FEC.  (PDF)  http://www.fra.dot.gov/Elib/Document/1258

[Charles Hunter]

Did any of those crossings meet today's "Quiet Zone" standards?
https://www.fra.dot.gov/Page/P0104

[Lunican]

Probably not as that standard is pretty new. It can be done but COJ has to put up the money.

[thelakelander]

Would residents be willing to have their neighborhood taxed more to cover the cost for a quiet zone?

[ProjectMaximus]

I'd rather put my tax money towards a skyway extension first.

[jaxlore]

not me. I live less then a half mile from the train and I dont even notice it anymore.

[Tacachale]

Yeah, I tend to doubt it too. Too many other things we could do if we were going to be stuck with a tax.