California State Rail Plan 2005-06 to 2015-16

2005-06 – 2015-16 California State Rail Plan
measures focus on addressing noise at the source or along the path to the receptor.
Source mitigation attempts to quiet vehicles, while path mitigation diverts or
buffers the noise.
VIBRATION
In December 1998, in the High-Speed Ground Transportation Noise and Vibration
Impact Assessment, the FRA concluded that, “Vibration can be perceptible and
intrusive to building occupants and can cause secondary rattling of windows, items
on shelves, and pictures hanging on walls. In addition, sound reradiated from
vibrating room surfaces, referred to as ground-borne noise, often will be audible in
the form of a low-frequency rumbling sound.”
Vibration is very similar to noise, in that its intensity is a function of the wave
energy passing through a medium, in this case the earth. A vibration experience
will usually be a ten-second event. The intensity of vibration will vary with
operations, geologic conditions, proximity, structural design, and configuration.
Product designs that attempt to minimize vibrations include: resilient fasteners to
attach rails to concrete track slabs (generally not used by freight rail), ballast mats,
resiliently supported ties and floating slabs. Other solutions include heavier rail,
thicker ballast, heavier ties, or resilient elements beneath the tracks.
Wood ties do not transmit motion as readily as concrete ties. However, none of
these mitigation measures have shown great success. More costly but also more
effective solutions include building modifications, trenches, buffer zones, and
operational changes.
RAIL - HIGHWAY GRADE CROSSINGS
One of the most noticeable impacts of rail within a community is related to
rail-highway crossings. The impacts are manifest in delays to highways,
roadways, and pedestrian users, and in increased risk exposure for accidents.
In 2004, there were 34 deaths and 53 injuries resulting from California public railhighway
crossing accidents. 29
The CPUC has promulgated a series of General Orders establishing standards and
regulations for rail-highway grade crossing operations, warning devices,
geometrics, construction and maintenance, railroad crossing occupancy, etc.
The CPUC works, in conjunction with the Department, to prioritize projects
eligible for Federal Section 130 funding for local at-grade crossing safety
programs.
29 FRA Office of Safety Analysis Database, May, 2005
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