HomeMy WebLinkAboutInformational Report - Union Pacific Railroad Noise - Regency Palms1
Approval:
City Manager
REQUEST:
SUBMITTED BY:
DATE:
CONTENTS:
CITY OF PALM DESERT
DEVELOPMENT SERVICES
STAFF REPORT
Informational Item Concerning Union Pacific Railroad / Interstate 10
Noise Adjacent to Regency Palms
Martin Alvarez, Senior Management Analyst
September 22, 2005
Caltrans Letter Dated September 2, 2005
In June of 2005, staff presented the findings of the noise study performed by Medlin
Associates, along Tamarisk Row Drive and the Union Pacific Railroad. As part of the
recommendation staff sent letters and copies of the sound study to both Union Pacific
and Caltrans. The letters requested that each agency consider the mitigation measures
identified in the report, specifically if any new improvements were proposed along their
right-of-way.
On September 2, 2005, we received a response letter from Caltrans indicating that they
reviewed the report and although the methodology used differs from theirs, the report
does address the noise issues raised by the residents. Caltrans also indicates if
widening of Interstate 10 (1-10) were proposed, a detailed noise study would be
performed and the City would be informed accordingly. At this time Caltrans does not
have a widening project planned along this area.
To date we have not received a response from Union Pacific Railroad, but staff is
working with the Federal Railroad Administration to research the possibility of
establishing a "Quite Zone" designation for this area. A "Quite Zone" would minimize
the use of train horns and the impact to the residents. Staff will provide an additional
update concerning this process at a later date.
Submitted By:
Approval;
Martin Alvarez Hamer Croy //
Senior Management Analyst ��M fpQsJ'' Dev�l'opment Services
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STATE OF CALIFORNIA—BUSINESS. TRANSPORTATION AND HOUSING AGENCY
ARNOLD SCHWARZENEGGER Governor
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
DISTRICT 8
PROGRAM/PROJECT MANAGEMENT (MS 1229)
464 WEST 4TM STREET, 6TH FLOOR
SAN BERNARDINO, CA 92401-1400
PHONE (909) 388-7149
FAX (909) 383-6239
TTY (909) 383-6300
September 2, 2005
Carlos L. Ortega
City Engineer
City of Palm Desert
73-310 Fred Warning Drive
Palm Desert, California 92260-2578
Dear Mr. Ortega:
Noise Study Along Interstate 10 (I-10) in Palm Desert, California
Flex your power!
Be energy efficient!
This is in response to your letter regarding the Noise Study along I-10 in the City of Palm
Desert, between Cook Street and Washington Street, prepared by Medlin & Associates in
April of 2005 and we have the following comments:
The noise measurement methodology used by the consultants for this particular noise
study deviates from the usual California Department of Transportation (Caltrans)
standards: however, on pages 25 and 26 of the report, Caltrans procedures and frequency
asked questions on noise impacts were discussed. This sufficiently addressed the noise
concerns raised by the residents adjacent to I-10 regarding the freeway noise issues.
Based on the noise study, it appears that the primary source of noise is attributable to the
train noise. Caltrans is not responsible for train noise; however, the noise caused by the
adjacent I-10 would require a detailed noise study, if a widening project is proposed. As
such, Caltrans concurs with your request to consider mitigation, if there are additional
noise impacts as a result of freeway improvements along I-10, between Cook Street and
Washington Street.
At this time, Caltrans does not have a widening project along I-10 that would require a
detailed noise study. However, the City of Palm Desert will be informed accordingly,
should a widening project be proposed.
"Caltrans improves mobility across California"
RECEIVED
SEP - 8 2005
CITY OF PALM DESERT
CITY MANAGER
Mr. Ortega
September 2, 2005
Page 2
Caltrans hopes to continue working together to develop solutions that will not only
address our present situation, but will also for the future that lies ahead. If you have any
questions, please feel free to contact me at (909) 388-7149, or the Project Manager, Hong
Van, at (909) 383-5953.
Sincerely,
PAUL M. ENGSTROM
Deputy District Director
Program/Project Management
c: Homer Croy, Assistant City Manger for Development Services
Michael Errante, P.E., Director of Public Works
Mark Greenwood, P.E., City Engineer
David Erwin, City Attorney
Tony Louka, Senior Transportation Engineer, Caltrans
"Caltrans improves mobility across California"