FAQs

This rail line is currently owned and operated by Canadian Pacific Kansas City (CPKC). Originally constructed between 1908 and 1910, the line has at various times been referred to as the Dan Patch Line, the Minneapolis, Northfield & Southern (MN&S) spur and the Soo Line.

This program, administered by the FRA, provides funding for highway-rail or pathway-rail grade crossing improvement projects that focus on improving the safety and mobility of people and goods. Eligible projects include grade separation, track relocation, or improvement of protective devices, signals or signs.

Federal laws requires trains to sound their horn for 15-20 seconds as they approach public at-grade crossings as a safety precaution. Train horns must be sounded in a standardized pattern of 2 long, 1 short, and 1 long blasts. The pattern must be repeated or prolonged until the lead locomotive or lead cab car is at the grade crossing.

A Quiet Zone is a segment of a rail line where train horns do not need to be routinely sounded. Local authorities (such as cities or counties) can establish quiet zones through the FRA after they have met certain safety requirements. These requirements include mitigating the increased risk at public at-grade crossings caused by the absence of a horn. In a quiet zone, train horns may still be used in emergency situations or to comply with other Federal regulations or railroad operating rules.

The City cannot adopt an ordinance that supersedes FRA’s regulatory authority. In order to establish a quiet zone through the FRA, the City must first mitigate the increased risk at public at-grade crossings caused by the absence of a horn. These improvements may include new signage, flashing lights, and/or gate arms.