Cotton Belt-CS111117 DART
(OTTON NH
Cotton Belt Corridor Rail Project
DFW - IH 35E AFG Meeting
November 17, 2011
AGENDA
CD451- Welcome / Introductions
Project Overview
Preliminary Engineering Update
Environmental Progress
Area Focus Group Discussion (Q &A)
TRAFFIC AND SAFETY Fact Sheet DART (OTTO .PICT
Potential Traffic and Safety Concerns
• Changes in traffic flow at street crossings where train operations are frequent
• Changes to surrounding traffic circulation patterns for local streets
• Changes in accessibility to surrounding land uses (from auto or pedestrian standpoint)
• Potential pedestrian crossing issues to community facilities such as schools (example, where a
project passes through a school attendance zone boundary)
• Safety issues associated with increased train frequency and /or speed
Common Techniques to Mitigate Traffic and Safety Concerns
_ .,. SAFETY
: ,:, • Designate pedestrian crossings designed to facilitate
y, safety
> 47 4 _ • Provide safety information through education outreach
" - 7 9 7'° \ 1 . • Design elements that maximize safety by adding
--- adequate lighting and minimize interaction of
pedestrians and motorized vehicles
• Use safety fencing to discourage crossing at uncontrolled
Pedestrian gates near school rail crossings provide locations
added safety for children approaching rail tracks
F.,` TRAFFIC
• Traffic signage and pavement markings
. '� * • Modify existing traffic signals and install new traffic
. ;"
. signs
-- • Coordinate signal timing between intersections
:''''' ';', - - • Improve intersections with free right turn lanes or
k 0 . double left turn lanes
€ ma y
• Design solutions to improve circulation and accessibility
Z- crossing channels movement of pedestrians
approaching rail tracks (relocate driveways)
• Grade separation to maintain traffic flow
DART Community Affairs • 214 - 749 -2543 • http: / /www.dart.org /cottonbelt • November 2011
II
VEHCLE FactSheet (011011 -PILT
New Technology Vehicle
Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART) has specified the use of a new technology vehicle for the Cotton Belt
Corridor Regional Rail Project, a proposed 26 -mile regional rail alignment spanning from DFW Airport
to the Red Line in Richardson /Plano. This new light- weight rail vehicle will be designed to be more
environmentally and community friendly than traditional commuter rail. It can also be used for other
future rail corridors in the region.
DART is working with the rail industry to accelerate the development of certain features for
this vehicle, most notably to advance the use of an engine that reduces emissions by meeting the
Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) most stringent air quality standards, and being compliant with
the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) so it can share track with existing freight.
Each vehicle would have a self- contained engine so no locomotive is required, and trains can be sized
to match demand.
EXAMPLES OF LIGHTWEIGHT RAIL VEHICLES:
' .- i- , tit 46W 4^i fir i
P
4\4 ,
s ..rte' t \ h
i „ 11116 6 :2 1 tAill
Denton County Transportation Authority (DCTA) vehicle New Jersey RiverLINE vehicle (rail opened 2004)
(to be operational in 2012)
Features of New Vehicle
• Advanced technology vehicle:
— Electric engine powered by diesel generator
— Generator insulated in internal compartment to minimize noise
— Exhaust emissions reduced by approximately 90 percent from typical vehicle technology
• Lighter and smaller than typical commuter rail resulting in lower noise /vibration levels
• No overhead wires mean Tess visual clutter
• Wide entrance doors and low floors for easy accessibility
• Sleek appearance and improved structural design
DART Community Affairs • 214 - 749 -2543 • http: / /www.dart.org /cottonbelt • November 2011
NJbE FactSheet
DART COTT00lT
Noise is a Common Concern When Planning a Rail Project•••
Especially when the project is near residential areas or other sensitive uses. The information provided in
this fact sheet describes:
• How noise levels between transit and non - transit objects compare
• The typical noise produced from rail operations
• The process by which potential impacts are identified
• Common techniques to mitigate noise impacts
Comparison of Noise Levels
The figure below illustrates how noise levels between transit and non - transit objects compare when
experienced by people in their home or neighborhood. For example, a train passing by you at 50 mph
from a distance of 50 ft is about 80 dBA, a little louder than an air compressor at 50 ft. A light -rail transit
vehicle stopped at a station is comparable to standing about 3 ft from a clothes washer.
TYPICAL MAXIMUM NOISE LEVELS BEFORE MITIGATION
Transit Sources dBA Non - Transit Sources
Outdoor Ind,Dor
FRA Minimum Horn Noise Level —s
100
Mitigation
measures, such 90
THE at 50 mph --•-►
as noise barriers,
Cotton Belt / DCTA at 50 mph Concrete Mixer
can provide DART LRT at50mph —. i80
--r reductions City Bus at 50 mph Bus Idling —;. As Compressor
Cit
Y 9 Food Blender
of 5 to 10 dBA. TRE in Station - Lawn Mower
DART LRT in Station ----sue 70
Lawn Tiller
Clothes Washer
Air Conditioner
60
LEGEND Air Conditioner
FRA = Federal Railroad Administration 50
TRE = Trinity Railway Express
DCTA = Denton County Transportation Authority Refrigerator
LRT = Light -Rail Transit
40
At at 50 ft. At at 50 ft. i Ali at 3 ft
DART Community Affairs • 214 - 749 -2543 • http: / /www.dart.org /cottonbelt • November 2011
NOISE Fact Sheet
Typical Sources of Noise from Train Operations
Noise generated from train operations is generally associated with:
• Wheel /rail interaction – noise is generally highest where condition of the track and /or wheels are
worn and needing maintenance, and where tracks cross
• Horns and crossing bells – safety requirements where a train crosses a street
• Diesel engines /cooling fans – not buffered in compartments to minimize noise
How are Impacts Identified?
The following steps are used to identify potential noise impacts:
Identify Select locations Estimate Identify
locations to establish noise levels impacts and
of sensitive " existing noise —÷ with project —4 propose
uses levels in operation mitigation
The locations of sensitive uses (homes, churches, parks, etc.) are based on aerial mapping, surveys and
community input. Input from the community is important in making sure that all sensitive uses are
identified. DART uses established Federal Transit Administration (FTA) standards to identify impacts. A
variety of mitigation options are considered to best address the impact.
Options Available to Mitigate Identified Noise Impacts
TECHNIQUES THAT WILL BE USED TO MINIMIZE NOISE IN THIS CORRIDOR:
• Insulation of power generator in internal compartment to minimize noise
• Maintenance of vehicle and track elements to reduce noise levels
CONSISTENT WITH FTA GUIDELINES, ADDITIONAL OPTIONS TO BE CONSIDERED INCLUDE:
• Installation of sound barriers (noise walls)
• Alignment modifications (shifting alignment or raising /lowering the alignment)
• Provisions that reduce noise where special trackwork is located
• Reduce noise at street crossings by using targeted warning devices (such as electronic bells) and
working with local jurisdictions to obtain waivers to establish "Quiet Zones" where freight co- exists
DART Community Affairs • 214 - 749 -2543 • http: / /www.dart.org /cottonbelt • November 2011