050228 City (Houston) closes railroad crossings to reduce noise in First Ward

City closes railroad crossings to reduce noise in First Ward
Monday, February 28, 2005

By Jason Whitely / 11 News

HOUSTON --There are some street closures in Houston, but they have nothing to do with construction. Rather, a neighborhood wanting to improve safety and reduce noise.

Public Works crews set up barriers to block traffic from crossing the railroad track on Hickory, Goliad and Holly streets in the First Ward. The number of closed crossings may soon grow in the area for weary residents tired of loud trains.

For more than three decades the railroad has been a noisy neighbor for Margo Childs.
"And it isn't beautiful. Nor is it likable. We homeowners, we are stuck," said Margo Childs, First Ward resident. She lives across the street from it in the First Ward.

Finally something is being done. Neighbors got the city to close three streets that have railroad crossings.

"As long as it doesn't impede public safety and doesn't provide any detriment to traffic flow then I think we're on to something innovative here," said Houston Councilman Adrian Garcia.

The closings will keep cars from racing through the streets, trying to beat the trains. Perhaps more than anything it will reduce noise. Engineers don't have to blast their horns if cars can't cross.

"Of course we'll all appreciate less noise pollution and it being quieter, but I think the overall benefit for the community will be from the safety perspective," said Allison Plantz, First Ward resident.

The street crossing will be closed for 90 days to see if it works. If so, three other street crossings a little farther down the tracks will close as well. Not a moment too soon for long-time residents like Margo Childs who has lived along the tracks for years.

"I'm in awe that it did happen," said Childs.

The railroad has run through the area since the 1850s. Homes eventually grew up around the tracks. Trains aren't likely to go away, but maybe the noise now will.