A Quiet Zone for Downtown Canby

The planning and approval process for a Canby quiet zone continues for the railroad crossings at Ivy, Grant, and Elm. The Oregon Department of Transportation is currently adjusting the design at the intersection of Elm Street at highway 99E to provide more room for trucks to navigate this tight intersection that links to the cities truck route. The project involves moving a power pole and reconstructing the northern intersection. ODOT and the city are developing an acceptable design and identifying additional funding. Once the details are agreed to, design plans will be completed and a “Notice of Intent” and plans are submitted to stakeholders for comment (60 days). Next, the improvements are constructed and inspected by the diagnostic team. Finally, the Notice of Establishment Application and “as-built” designs are sent to stakeholders for comment (30 days).

As background; the Downtown District is adjacent to the Union Pacific Railroad, which currently accommodates approximately 30 trains per day. Railroad engineers are required to sound their horns prior to approaching public crossings and continuously through downtown each time a train passes. Train horns can discourage outdoor activity, which in turn can negatively impact the economic vitality of our Downtown Business Community. The Federal Railroad Administration (FRA), determines whether Canby can proceed.

The city has proposed 75 to 80-foot non-traversable medians at Ivy, Grant and Elm that extend from each railroad crossing arm toward NW 1st Avenue and Highway 99E. There will be a partial closure of NW 1st Avenue west of Elm Street. If this plan is approved – the medians could be installed relatively quickly and inexpensively. The City has budgeted funds for the needed improvements.