JMA prepared recommendations regarding the feasibility of establishing a partial or full Quiet Zone through the Union Pacific Railroad (UPRR) Warm Spring Subdivision corridor in San Jose, to provide relief from train horns for the residential neighborhoods. JMA performed calculations and evaluated risks associated with the safety measures in comparison with the Risk Index for the 14 at-grade crossings in the corridor. In addition, JMA prepared conceptual engineering drawings, construction takeoffs associated with the proposed crossing improvements and led a 3-day intensive site diagnostic meeting with the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA), UPRR, California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC), and City to obtain consensus for the proposed safety improvements. In collaboration with JMA on this project, the railroad developed exhibits showing standard crossing details that will be used by UPRR as a guideline when evaluating future at-grade crossing improvement projects in California. JMA proposed the development of this tool with the railroad in order to standardize the process for providing safety input when evaluating the range of crossing configurations encountered, especially in dense, urban corridors. JMA was awarded the final design contract for the scoped improvements at two of the crossings, Jackson Street and 7th Street, that are required for establishment of a partial quiet zone. The crossings are currently at 100% design.
