No deal yet on ‘Quiet Zone’ study

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At Tuesday’s City Council meeting, Chris Salas, transportation manager, came back to Council with a reduced proposal from Plateau Engineering to perform a Quiet Zone study. The last proposal was about $78,000. It included a topographical survey and public involvement that would allow residents to voice their complaints. Council didn’t think public involvement was necessary since it was brought forward multiple times and that constituents continue to call and write about the issue.

Salas brought two choices for the Council to review and possibly take action on. In both instances, topographical survey and public involvement were removed from the proposals. Plateau Engineering would still provide risk indexes and coordinate communications with the following agencies:

  • Union Pacific Railroad
  • Amtrak
  • Federal Railroad Administration
  • Arizona Corporation Commission
  • Arizona Department of Transportation
  • Ak-Chin Community
  • Pinal County

The study would have to be reviewed by all the noted agencies. Any implementations of a Quiet Zone would have to be approved and potentially negotiated as well. This study would not cover any associated construction costs for the Quiet Zone, but a study is required by several of the noted governing agencies, prior to moving forward with any construction.

Option A, would include State Road 347 and Porter Road at $38,000.

Option B would include three more additional roads of Ralston, White and Parker, and Hartman. At $48,000 Option B was recommended in the event of future growth, the city would have a study on record for roads Ralston and Hartman.

Salas was asked if there was a guarantee that the railroads would accept a study that was five years old in the event those areas would be affected. Salas could not guarantee the railroad would accept the studies and that it was “possible they would have to be updated.”

Councilmember Carl Diedrich asked Salas for “round about” numbers for the potential construction for each intersection. Salas said the estimates ranged from “15 to 50,000 thousand”. These numbers drew more support from the council.

Councilmember Brown then asked Salas for “Option C.”

“Option C, would include White and Parker with the 347 and Porter,” said Brown.

Other council members agreed that White and Parker would be important with Central Arizona College and Banner moving to the area. They also requested Salas to clarify with Plateau Engineering that the study would cover a potential third track. Currently, Union Pacific is in the process of building their second track and it was discussed that Union Pacific could add a third.

Salas was asked to re-negotiate with Plateau Engineering and the council tabled the item.