Quiet zones and site refinements can help alleviate challenges borne by rail grade crossings in 2 south suburban Chicago communities, study says.
A reduction in the number of required freight train horn blasts and improvements designed to enhance safety for people and vehicles would dramatically improve the quality of life for the residents of two south suburban Chicago communities. That was the focus of a recently completed research study that examined at-grade highway-railroad crossings in the towns of Dolton and Riverdale.
The study, “Quiet Zone Study for Dolton and Riverdale,” was completed by the Urban Transportation Center at UIC. The research team focused on analyzing 10 grade crossings in the two communities some 22 miles south of downtown Chicago and what could be done to minimize disruptions caused by frequent horn blasts and delays and potential safety issues resulting from frequent freight train activity. Within Dolton and Riverdale are two major railyards, and the communities are within close proximity to intermodal terminals, transit lines and expressways. Train traffic in the study area greatly varies day-by-day, and average daily train traffic ranged from 12 to 77 trains per crossing. Read more.
Funding was provided by the South Suburban Mayors and Managers Association (SSMMA) via the Cook County Invest In Cook grant program.
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