Colleyville to implement railroad quiet zones

Photo by Sherelle Black

Cyclists and pedestrians will soon be able to use newly connected trails and safety gates to cross Colleyville's three railroad crossings.

After years of preparation and planning and months of construction, Colleyville will have a quiet zone along the Cotton Belt Rail Line beginning March 25.

Construction for the $1.81 million project began in August with the installation of safety features at all three of the city's railroad crossings: John McCain, Pleasant Run and Bransford Roads. The installation of safety features was needed to eliminate the need for train conductors to sound their horn before approaching the crossroads.

Once construction of the features were complete, the city was required to send a Notice of Implementation to the Federal Railway Administration before the quiet zones could be implemented.

A final inspection of the quiet zones was conducted on March 3. On March 4, the Notice of Implementation was submitted to the FRA. Copies also were provided to DART, The Fort Worth Transportation Authority, the Fort Worth and Western Railroad and the Grapevine Vintage Railroad.

Anyone who observes or hears a train horn at any of the three crossings in Colleyville should notify the Public Works Department at 817-503-1090 of the date, time and location of the occurrence so it can be reported to the appropriate railway agency.