Title
Quiet Zone Implementation - Metra Flagger Agreement
History
Since November 2005, the Village has been engaged in the highly structured and regulated process to establish “Quiet Zones” for all at-grade rail crossings of the Metra Railroad Tracks within the Village corporate limits. The establishment of a “Quiet Zone” ends the requirement for passing trains to sound an audible warning when approaching or travelling thru at-grade rail crossings.
The Village has received all necessary permits from the Illinois Department of Transportation and the Cook County Highway Department to install the safety mitigation devices, signs and pavement markings (Safety Improvement) upon their roadways. These Safety Improvements are required by Federal and State regulators prior to establishment of a Quiet Zone.
One component of the Safety Improvements includes the installation of separation devices immediately preceding certain gated rail crossings. In order for the Village to install these devices, the actual work undertaken will occur upon pavements that exist within the railroad right of way. When such work occurs, the operating rules of the railroad require that trained “Flaggers” be present at all times work is occurring to ensure that approaching trains are aware of the presence of workers and the workers performing the work are aware of the approaching trains.
Metra has provided an Agreement to the Village for the required Flagger services. Staff forwarded the Agreement to Counsel for review, whereupon Counsel has advised that there are elements of the Agreement that need further discussion and clarification related to Liability and noted Insurance considerations.
Following discussion and resolution of these issues with Metra, Counsel will provide direction for signing the Agreement in an effort to advance and complete this much desired project. A copy of the proposed Agreement is included herewith.
On May 2, 2011, this item was reviewed by the Public Works & Engineering Committee and referred to the Board for approval.
Financial Impact
There is no financial impact associated with this Agreement.
Recommended Action/Motion
I move to approve that, following resolution of matters of concern and upon recommendation of the Village Attorney, the Village Manager be authorized to sign an Agreement with Metra to provide Flaggers for the completion of work associated with the installation of safety mitigation improvements required for the establishment of a Quiet Zone for at-grade Metra rail crossings within the Village of Orland Park.