NOTE THAT DEVELOPER PAYING OFF-SITE FEES TO CONTRIBUTE TO ESTABLISHMENT
OF QUIET ZONES AT RAILROAD CROSSINGS.

Margaret

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News From Hillsborough Township

For Immediate Release
February 13, 2007

Contact: Committeeman Bob Wagner
                908 369-3535

Hillsborough Committee Told
Railroad Quiet Zones On Time, Less Costly

The Hillsborough Township Committee, by approving the filing of an
official
notice of intent (NOI) with the Federal Railroad Administration, took a
key
step Tuesday evening toward terminating the sounding of train horns
along
the Norfolk Southern rail line, through the establishment of railroad
Quiet
Zones.

Committeeman Bob Wagner stated, "Elimination of the train horns will be
a
very significant improvement in the quality of life for thousands of our

residents. The good news is that it will cost less than we originally
were
advised."

Maurice Rached of Maser Consulting, the Township's Traffic Engineer, is
preparing the Quiet Zone application. Mr. Rached stated, "The purpose
of
the NOI is to provide an opportunity for railroads and State agencies to

provide comments and recommendations to the Township as it is planning
the
Quiet Zone."

Mr. Rached pointed out "by approving the NOI the Township is meeting the

established timetable." The Engineer added, "the construction costs for
the
improvements will be less than originally anticipated."

Original costs estimates ranged in the area of $350,000 to $450,000.
Mr.
Rached estimated the full costs now to be approximately $300,000.

The developer of the Pleasant View Estates, Beazer Homes, has dedicated
a
$250,000 offsite contribution for the establishment of the Quiet Zones.
The
Township has also allocated $100,000 for Quiet Zones in previous years'
capital budgets.

Federal regulations require that the notice of intent must be filed with
the
Federal Railroad Administration in Washington, D.C., the NJDOT Rail
Safety
Division, and with the Norfolk Southern Corporation in Roanoke,
Virginia.

The NOI states that safety improvements necessary to qualify for Quiet
Zone
designation will be established at grade crossings on Beekman, Auten,
Roycefield, and Valley Roads.

The Township's Notice of Intent includes the following improvements:

All of the crossings, in their present condition, include gates, warning

indicators, constant warning train detection and sign cantilevers. The
following improvements would be needed to meet the requirements for a
New
Quiet Zone designation:

* Beekman Lane - Construction of 4' wide, 100' long, raised
islands
at both approaches to the crossing; additional signage and pavement
striping. Installation of a Power-Out indicator.
* Auten Road - Construction of 4' wide, 100' long, raised islands
at
both approaches to the crossing; additional signage and pavement
striping.
Installation of a Power-Out indicator.
* Valley Road - Construction of two new gates which will cross
the
entire roadway, curbing will be installed at the edges of the roadway to

prohibit vehicles from traversing around the gate. Furthermore, a
wayside
horn will be installed for each vehicular approach. Installation of a
Power-Out indicator.
* Roycefield Road - Construction of 4' wide, 100' long, raised
islands at both approaches to the crossing; additional signage and
pavement
striping. Installation of a Power-Out indicator.
Received on Sat Mar 10 09:59:58 2007