City of Novato, CA
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Survey results now availableThe City Council will consider this input as part of their discussion regarding back-up options for theState Access Road Pedestrian Crossing at their October 11, 2016 meeting. |
History & Background
Prior to the reuse of the Hamilton Base, the State Access Road was used to cross the railroad and connect the base. During the planning of the Hamilton Base reuse, it was determined to limit the number of road connections across the railroad and the State Access road was closed. In recent years, the Hamilton State Access Road Pedestrian Crossing has been an informal crossing used by the Hamilton community. In 2010/2011, City staff worked with SMART and the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) to retain this as a pedestrian crossing as a way to expand safe routes to school and neighborhood connectivity. Based on this, SMART made improvements to the crossing to have it be "Quiet Zone" ready.
Quiet Zone Information
On March 24, 2015, the City Council directed staff to implement Quiet Zones in Novato--specifically, to establish Quiet Zones prior to the commencement of train service to the public, but not during the training/testing phase. During the training/testing phase, SMART will sound the horn at all crossings. SMART has stated that the testing of their system will occur until the start of regular passenger service in order to ensure safety for the community. At this time, SMART has stated that regular passenger service will begin at the end of 2016.
In 2015 and 2016, SMART installed physical safety improvements at crossings throughout Sonoma and Marin in order to make the system "Quiet Zone" ready should any community choose to implement Quiet Zones. The Federal Railroad Administration, the federal agency that governs rail safety, has determined that the implementation of Quiet Zones, with the addition of supplemental safety measures of physical improvements at the crossings (gates, etc.) provides an equivalent or higher level of safety as would exist with standard crossing improvements in combination with the sounding of train horns.
In early 2016, the City hired a consultant to prepare one Quiet Zone application for all of Novato. As part of the Quiet Zone process, an inspection and testing of all crossing improvements has to occur by the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) and the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC). In late April 2016, the City met with the FRA and CPUC to inspect and review the improvements at each crossing. At this meeting, the City was told that:
- Novato would need two Quiet Zones--one for the SMART 101 corridor, and one for the freight-only/Highway 37 corridor, and
- The southern ending point of the Quiet Zone along 101 could not end at the Hamilton State Access Pedestrian Crossing. Staff was told that the Quiet Zone could also not end at the Hamilton Station or Main Gate Road. Federal policy requires a quiet zone to begin and end only at a public road and railroad track surface crossing. This means that pedestrian crossings, train stations, private roads, and overpasses (such as Main Gate Road) do not qualify as the beginning or ending of a Quiet Zone. Based on this determination, there would be no Quiet Zone at the Hamilton State Access Road Pedestrian Crossing, unless another solution could be found.
Based on this direction from the FRA, the City submitted a Notice of Intent (NOI) for the SMART corridor between Rush Creek Place and Hamilton Parkway in June. Since that time, staff began exploring options to see how the area south of Hamilton Parkway could be included within the Quiet Zone and back-up options for the pedestrian crossing were also considered.
Back-up Options for State Access Road Pedestrian Crossing
Photo of ped xing before installation of crossing equipment Photo of ped xing after installation of crossing equipment
On June 14, 2016, City staff updated the City Council on the status of the Quiet Zone--including the issue of train horns sounding between Hamilton Parkway and the Novato South - Hamilton Station, if a Quiet Zone could not be established for the State Access Road Pedestrian Crossing. City staff presented the following back-up options for Council discussion:
A. Retain the Pedestrian Crossing and Install "Wayside Horns", or
B. Retain the Pedestrian Crossing and No Southerly Quiet Zone, or
C. Remove the Pedestrian Crossing
Staff was asked by Council to facilitate a community workshop in Hamilton to discuss "back-up" options for the pedestrian crossing in case the Quiet Zone could not be established for the pedestrian crossing. This workshop would provide an opportunity for the community to ask questions, and express concerns and preferences regarding the crossing.
Video of June 14, 2016 Quiet Zone Update presentation to Council
Quiet Zone Update PowerPoint Presentation (06/14/16)
Quiet Zone Update Staff Report (06/14/16)
A community workshop was held on August 24, 2016. Approximately 80 residents attended. Staff presented the following presentation, answered questions and took suggestions. The majority of those present, expressed significant concern about the horn noise. There were also residents present that wanted to see the crossing maintained as it is used as a walking path and neighborhood connector. The absence of this pedestrian crossing means a longer path for students to reach the Charter School, and public access to the Hamilton wetlands and other neighborhood amenities.
At the end of the meeting, the majority of those still present selected the removal of the pedestrian crossing in order to avoid the noise of the horns and crossing bells, and ultimately an adverse impact to the residents' quality of life. Staff committed to sending out a survey to gain neighborhood input to be shared with the Council. Staff also committed to doing an updated count of the number of users of the crossing.
Pedestrian Counts
The pedestrian crossing provides a convenient link between Hamilton neighborhoods and facilities such as the Charter School, the County Library, Lanham Village and the Bay Trail. To assess use of the crossing, the City recently conducted 24-hour bicycle and pedestrian traffic counts at the crossing over two consecutive weekdays in August after school was in session. The results are summarized as follows:
| Tuesday, August 30, 2016 | |
|---|---|
| Total 24-hr. Pedestrian Crossings | 96 |
| Total 24-hr. Bicycle Crossings | 9 |
| AM Peak Hour (8am) | 20 |
| PM Peak Hour (3pm) | 15 |
| Wednesday, August 31, 2016 | |
|---|---|
| Total 24-hr. Pedestrian Crossings | 123 |
| Total 24-hr. Bicycle Crossings | 10 |
| AM Peak Hour (7am) | 25 |
| PM Peak Hour (6pm) | 12 |
State Access Road Pedestrian Crossing Options
State Access Road Pedestrian Crossing Options
Below is a list of three "back-up" options identified for the pedestrian crossing. Alternatives such as constructing an above-grade bridge and ramp system to relocate the pedestrian crossing over the tracks, or a tunnel system under the tracks, were not considered as they are infeasible due to excessive construction costs ( $1.5M+) and the timeline for implementation.
Option A - Retain the Pedestrian Crossing and Install "Wayside Horns"
Option A consists of retaining the pedestrian crossing and installing wayside horns--a localized horn installed at the pedestrian crossing. The wayside horns would sound each time a train approaches the crossing in the same manner train horns would sound if without an established Quiet Zone.
The automated horn system (wayside horn) meets the FRA regulation for crossing safety, and provides the same sound level at the crossing--just in a much smaller overall area. The wayside horn would replace the sounding of the normal train horn, and is located at the crossing as opposed to the on-train horn sounding from up to a quarter of a mile away. The decibel level at the crossing would be between 96 and 110 decibels--which is equivalent to the sound of a train horn. The wayside horn sounds for the same length of time, but the sound is pointed down versus forward. While an improved option for the train horn, the wayside horn is still impactful. The image below shows the smaller audio "footprint" of the wayside horn versus the train horn.
Typical Sound Levels by Train Horns vs. Wayside Horns
Even with wayside horns, if a hazardous condition exists on the tracks, the train operator can still sound the train horn.
This option requires the City to negotiate with SMART for the installation of the wayside horns, and reimburse them for all design, construction, and testing of the new equipment. Based on discussions with SMART, the estimated cost of the design, construction and testing of the wayside horn system would be a minimum of $165,000 and could be double that amount. The exact impacts and costs involved are still under review by SMART's team of engineers and contractors.
SMART is well along in their operator training and the testing of their safety systems. Installing a wayside horn at this point poses significant impacts to their efforts and current schedule. Given the timing, the wayside horn cannot be designed, installed and be fully operational prior to the currently anticipated start of SMART's regular service at the end of the year.
Based on this option, staff has identified some pros and cons to consider. This is not an exhaustive list.
Option A - Pros:
- In August, 96-123 pedestrians per day made a trip via the crossing. These residents will maintain their current ability to walk or bike from Hamilton Parkway to the Library, Charter School, and Lanham Village, etc. more directly and efficiently. Similarly, residents of Lanham Village traverse to Hamilton Parkway, and routes to the Bay Trail, etc. more directly and efficiently. When the two proposed senior housing projects are developed, the residents will have a direct pedestrian connection to neighborhood amenities on either side of the railroad.
- The shorter distance would make it more convenient for residents to walk or bike instead of drive, therefore, encouraging a more active lifestyle and lowering the carbon footprint.
- The sound of the wayside horns is significantly more “localized” as compared to the larger impact area of a train horn.
- Maintains the informal route of the prior existing dirt pathway.
Option A - Cons:
- There are approximately 375 residential units within 1000-feet of the crossing, all of which are impacted to some degree by the horns.
- More localized horn noise. Yet, homes that are within 500 feet will continue to be equally affected by the noise.
- The crossing bells would sound in addition to the wayside horns. Bells are required to sound each time the train nears the crossing.
- The wayside horns could not be designed, installed and properly tested prior to the currently anticipated start of regular passenger service near the end of the year.
- Potentially significant impact on SMART’s current safety testing and training program. Would extend efforts to debug their existing system.
- Residents will be impacted by 30 SMART trains per day with wayside horn, crossing bells, and occasional freight trains at night.
- Significant financial impact for design, construction and testing. Estimated at a minimum of $165,000 and could be double that amount.
Option B - Retain the Pedestrian Crossing and No Southerly Quiet Zone
This option retains the pedestrian crossing, with no wayside horns. This means that the train would sound the horns a quarter of a mile before entering each crossing. This option assumes that the City is unable to secure a Quiet Zone in this area.
Based on this option, staff has identified some pros and cons to consider. This is not an exhaustive list.
Option B - Pros:
- It does not impact the current testing and training program of SMART, nor complicate their ability to deliver service beginning in December.
- It does not cost anything to leave as is.
- In August, 96-123 residents per day made a trip using the crossing. These residents will maintain their current ability to traverse from Hamilton Parkway to the Library, Charter School, and Lanham Village, etc. more directly and efficiently. Similarly, residents of Lanham Village & Meadow Park can walk or bike to Hamilton Parkway, and routes to the Bay Trail, etc. more directly and efficiently. When the two proposed senior housing projects are developed, the residents will have a direct pedestrian connection to neighborhood amenities on either side of the railroad.
- The shorter distance would make it more convenient for residents to walk or bike instead of drive, therefore, encouraging a more active lifestyle and lowering the carbon footprint.
- Maintains the informal route of the existing dirt pathway.
- Those that enjoy (or see the train horn as “nostalgic”) experience the train horns.
Option B - Cons:
- There are approximately 375 residential units within 1000-feet of the crossing, all of which are impacted to some degree by the horns.
- Train horns would continue to sound as they do during testing phase.
- The crossing bells would sound in addition to the train horns.
- Residents will be impacted by 30 SMART trains per day with train horns, crossing bells, and occasional freight trains at night.
Option C - Remove the Pedestrian Crossing
Option C consists of removing the existing crossing equipment (poles, lights, bells, asphalt pathway to crossing), and installing additional chain link fencing to close the crossing. Removal of the equipment will also impact SMART's computerized safety systems, and complicate their efforts to test and debug the overall system. Any work would be performed by SMART and paid for by the City. It is currently estimated by SMART that this work would cost a minimum of $100,000 and potentially double that amount. Option C increases the distance for pedestrians and removes a neighborhood connection. The closure would increase the length of a typical walking or bicycling route by approximately 0.4 miles.
Impact to pedestrians & bicyclists to school/library Impact to pedestrians & bicyclists from Lanham Village
The closure of the crossing must be approved by the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC). CPUC staff has indicated that they would support the closure, but all equipment and fencing needs to be installed before they would state that the crossing is closed and eliminate the horns from blowing. CPUC staff has also stated that once the crossing is closed, it will be as if it never existed and it will be nearly impossible to reopen or recreate in the future. The CPUC has indicated the approvals for closing the crossing could be approved in a relatively short time (a few months), however SMART estimates the operational impacts to them could be significantly more. Demolition would need to be done, and SMART would have to reprogram their dispatch and train software. The City would need to coordinate the work with SMART, and it is anticipated it likely could not be accomplished prior to the currently anticipated start of regular passenger service near the end of the year.
Based on this option, staff has identified some pros and cons to consider. This is not an exhaustive list.
Option C - Pros:
- There are approximately 375 residential units within 1000-feet of the crossing, all of which will no longer be subjected to the train horn or wayside horns.
- Completely eliminates wayside horns, train horn sounding, or gate bells at the location.
- Reduces chance of accidental or improper crossing at this location by installing 6-foot high security fencing.
- Reduces need for crossing guards by Charter School.
- Minimal impact on SMART’s current testing and training program, and ability to begin service in December.
- Reduction in equipment maintained by SMART.
- Eliminates need for City to maintain ADA access pathway at State Access Road.
Option C - Cons:
- In August, 96-123 residents per day made a trip using the crossing. Those residents lose their current ability to traverse from Hamilton Parkway to the Library, Charter School, and Lanham Village, etc. in a direct manner. Similarly, residents of Lanham Village lose their current ability to traverse to Hamilton Parkway, and routes to the Bay Trail, etc. more directly and efficiently.
- Adds about 1/2-mile to those routes to use Main Gate Rd and Nave Drive routes for same destination.
- Moderate financial impact for de-construction and requires modification of SMART’s control system. Estimated to be a minimum of $100,000 and could be double that amount.
- Extremely difficult and expensive to re-establish in the future if desired.
Fiscal Impact
Modification or elimination of the State Access Road Pedestrian Crossing would have fiscal impacts not currently in the City’s 2016/2017 budget. The estimated cost of the proposed options are:
| Pedestrian Crossing Options | Cost |
|---|---|
| Option A - Retain the Pedestrian Crossing and Install "Wayside Horns" | minimum of $165,000 could be more than double |
| Option B - Retain the Pedestrian Crossing and Not Establish a Quiet Zone | $0 |
| Option C - Remove the Pedestrian Crossing | minimum of $100,000 could be more than double |
The City’s current budget includes $100,000 for SMART related incidental projects. These funds were budgeted in anticipation of bicycle, pedestrian or transit facility improvements to fully integrate SMART stations not included in current SMART funded projects. There is $50,000 remaining in this budget for this project and therefore the back-up options would require additional funding.
We want to Hear From You!
Take Our Survey
This survey is now closed. Thank you for your participation.
In response to the community meeting held on August 24, 2016, the City would like to invite the Hamilton community to provide their input on the State Access Road Pedestrian Crossing. The City Council will consider survey results and all other feedback in their decision-making as to a final resolution. The City Council will consider back-up options for the pedestrian crossing at their meeting on October 11, 2016.
The survey includes a required field to identify each respondent's full street address so that the Council can consider the immediate neighbor preferences, and the preferences of the greater Hamilton community.
Before taking the survey, please review the full descriptions of the proposed options above. The survey will be available until noon on October 11, 2016. To receive notification of the posting of the survey results, please sign up below.
Take the Hamilton State Access Road Pedestrian Crossing Options Community Survey >>
Call or E-mail Us
City staff is available to answer your questions about this pedestrian crossing, please contact us at pw@novato.org or call 415.899.8246.
Meetings
The City Council will consider the survey results and all other feedback in their decision-making process as to a final resolution on the back-up options for the pedestrian crossing at their October 11, 2016 meeting.
Quick Links
Video of June 14, 2016 Quiet Zone Update presentation to Council
Quiet Zone Update PowerPoint Presentation (06/04/16)
Quiet Zone Update Staff Report (06/04/16)
State Access Pedestrian Crossing Community Workshop Presentation (08/24/16)
State Access Road Pedestrian Crossing Community Survey >>
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