HomeMy WebLinkAboutNB 2 LOCOMOTIVE EQP 09-03-91NEW BUSINESS N0. 2
AGENDA-%/ 9-3-91
-_---- - — _ _----- -------
ATE:
- ATE: AUGUST 28, 1991 t `
TO: WILLIAM HUSTON, CITY MANAGER
FROM: PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT/ENGINEERING DIVISION
SU BJE'.T: SOUNDING OF LOCOMOTIVE WARNING EQUIPMENT
RECOMMENDATION
Receive and file.
BACKGROUND
At the City Council meeting of August 19, 1991, Councilmember Edgar
requested a report regarding the sounding of locomotive warning
equipment when approaching railroad at -grade crossings with streets
and roads. Pursuant to this request, staff contacted the
California Public Utilities Commission (PUC), the responsible
agency.
DISCUSSION
The regulations regarding the sounding of locomotive warning
equipment are contained in Public Utilities Code Sections 7604 and
7678. These sections mandate that train bells, steam whistles, air
sirens, or air whistles must be sounded when approaching railroad
at -grade crossings. Although the statutes do not specify the
distance where the trains' sounding devices must be activated, the
Code clearly states that operators are required to sound warning
equipment, it is a misdemeanor to violate the statute, and it is at
the operator's discretion to establish procedures. According to
PUC representatives, the recommended distance in cities is 80 rods
(1320 feet) or, preferably, 20 seconds in advance of the crossing.
The PUC can only enforce the requirement that the sounding
equipment be activated. The Code is very explicit in providing the
train operators with the authority to set their own policies and
procedures for the sounding of the warning devices.
CONCLUSION
Currently, the Public Utilities Code does not allow cities to
regulate the sounding of locomotive warning equipment within city
boundaries. Should further information become available it will be
forwarded for the City Council's consideration.
Robert . Ledendecker
Director of Public Works/City Engineer
RSL: kp