Petition for Railroad Quiet Zone and Speed Limit Reduction in Mauston, WI

We, the undersigned residents, property owners, and workforce of Mauston, WI, hereby petition the city staff and local elected representatives to address the ongoing noise and safety concerns caused by train traffic at the railroad intersections between, and including, South Union Street and West State Street.

Background:

The train horns at these intersections can exceed 110 decibels (dB), while the trains themselves can generate noise levels of over 90 dB at current speeds. These levels of noise occur frequently throughout the day and night, often disrupting the sleep of nearby residents. The World Health Organization (WHO) has identified that exposure to noise above 70 dB can have harmful effects on both physical and mental health, with sleep disturbance being one of the most serious concerns. Exposure to noise exceeding 85 dB can also cause permanent hearing damage.

Furthermore, the persistent noise levels generated by trains in residential areas have a direct negative impact on quality of life and pose long-term health risks, including increased risks of cardiovascular disease, stress, and impaired cognitive development in children.

Quiet Zones and Safety:
There are multiple examples of successful quiet zones across Wisconsin, including 26 quiet zones in the city of Madison alone. These zones have proven effective in reducing noise pollution while maintaining safety. The Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) has confirmed that implementing quiet zones, when paired with appropriate safety measures like additional barriers and signals, does not increase accident rates. Studies show that properly equipped crossings within quiet zones can be just as safe, if not safer, than non-quiet zone crossings.

The cost of these improvements will ultimately be a worthwhile investment in the future of our city, ensuring that Mauston remains an attractive and livable place for families, businesses, and future investors.

Impact on Property Values and City Growth:
The economic impact of excessive train noise cannot be understated. Homes near railways can experience a decrease in value of up to 12.3% due to persistent noise pollution. This reduction in property value discourages city growth and investment, as noise affects the desirability of the area. As residents, we believe the cost of improving the intersections and implementing noise-reduction measures would be far outweighed by the benefits of increased property values and future city growth.

Numerous studies confirm that infrastructure improvements lead to greater demand for real estate and city expansion. Research by the American Society of Civil Engineers indicates that each dollar invested in infrastructure increases surrounding property values by $3. In addition, a study by the Urban Land Institute reveals that areas with enhanced safety and lower noise levels are more attractive to new homeowners, thereby fostering community growth.

Our Requests:

Quiet Zone Implementation:
We urge the City of Mauston to work with the Federal Railroad Administration to upgrade the railroad intersections between, and including, South Union Street and West State Street to meet federal quiet zone requirements, and to establish a quiet zone with urgency. In these zones, trains are not required to sound their horns unless necessary, which would substantially reduce noise pollution and its negative effects on residents.

Noise Reduction

In addition to the quiet zone, we would like to have evergreen or other appropriate tree species planted where possible to help reduce noise and enhance the visual appeal of our community.

Train Speed Reduction:
Alongside quiet zone implementation, we request that the speed limit of trains passing through these areas be reduced by 50%. Reducing train speeds not only lowers noise levels but also enhances safety for residents and decreases the potential for accidents in these residential neighborhoods.

Conclusion:
These changes are crucial to preserving the health, safety, and well-being of the Mauston community. The excessive noise and speed of trains passing through residential neighborhoods directly impact the daily lives of families and children. Implementing a quiet zone and reducing train speeds would restore peace to our homes, protect our health, and preserve property values.

Importantly, quiet zones have been shown to be just as safe, if not safer, than non-quiet zone crossings when properly equipped with additional barriers and signals. This ensures that public safety will not be compromised, but instead enhanced by reducing noise without increasing the risk of accidents.

We, the residents, property owners, and workforce of Mauston, express our strong support for these changes and urge our city officials to work swiftly and decisively with the Federal Railroad Administration to make these improvements a reality. The time for action is now to protect our community's quality of life and ensure a brighter, quieter, and safer future.

By signing this petition, we, the residents, property owners, and workforce of Mauston, demonstrate our commitment to the implementation of a railroad quiet zone and the reduction of train speeds in the affected areas.