For the purpose of this article, the following terms, phrases, words and their derivations shall have the meaning ascribed to them in this section; provided that, unless specifically defined below, words or phrases used in this article shall be interpreted so as to give them the same meaning as they have in common usage, and so as to give this article its most reasonable application.
Public highway at-grade rail crossing.
A location where a public highway, road, or street, including associated sidewalks or pathways, at least one side of which is maintained by the city, crosses one or more railroad tracts at grade.
Quiet zone.
A segment of rail line, within which one or a number of consecutive public highway-rail crossings where the sounding of train horns are prohibited, except as provided by this article.
Train horn.
An air horn, steam whistle, air siren, or other similar high-decibel audible warning device mounted on a train.
(Ordinance CO25-08-12-18-C1 adopted 12/18/08)
It is hereby determined that a quiet zone shall be established along the rail line from the north city limits to a point approximately one quarter mile northwest of BMC Drive. The quiet zone shall also include the extraterritorial jurisdiction of Blockhouse Drive, from approximately one-quarter mile north of the rail line intersection of Blockhouse Drive to one-quarter mile south of the crossing.
(Ordinance CO25-08-12-18-C1 adopted 12/18/08)
No person shall sound or permit the sounding of any train horn within the quiet zone, except under circumstances outlined in section 222, title 49 of the CFR and section 5.8 of General Code of Operating Rules.
(Ordinance CO25-08-12-18-C1 adopted 12/18/08)
The City Council hereby orders and directs that no train horn (W10-9) advance warning signs be posted on each road approaching a public highway-rail grade crossing within the quiet zone as outlined in the 2006 Texas Manual of Uniform Traffic Control Devices.
(Ordinance CO25-08-12-18-C1 adopted 12/18/08)
Nothing herein contained shall be construed as taking away any remedy or action for neglect against the railroad for any person injured as a result of negligence.
(Ordinance CO25-08-12-18-C1 adopted 12/18/08)
Train operators who violate any of the provisions of this article, or fail to comply therewith within the city limits, and including Block House Drive, shall be reported to the Capital Metro Rail Office. The Capital Metro Rail Office shall investigate and enforce the provisions of the quiet zone in compliance with title 49 CFR parts 222 and 229.
(Ordinance CO25-08-12-18-C1 adopted 12/18/08)
This article shall be effective upon its passage and publication in accordance with the Local Government Code. The quite zone will be effective on January 1, 2009 in accordance with title 49 CFR section 222.43(a)(4).
(Ordinance CO25-08-12-18-C1 adopted 12/18/08)