CREATE 75th Street Corridor Improvement Project
The City of Springfield, Illinois consolidated freight and passenger rail traffic onto a shared rail corridor in the city to improve the efficiency of rail traffic movement and safety.
From 2010-2012, HMMH performed a noise and vibration analysis as part of the Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for the Springfield Railroad Consolidation Study in Illinois. The overall goal of the project was to assess the potential impacts from increasing freight rail traffic in the City of Springfield. Some of the project components include the relocation of some rail lines and the implementation of quiet zones where train horns would not be sounded near at-grade crossings.
HMMH conducted ambient noise measurements as well as ground-borne vibration measurements from trains throughout the study area. The measured data were used to define the existing noise and vibration conditions. A noise and vibration impact assessment was conducted in accordance with the guidelines set forth by the U.S. Federal Transit Administration.
Portions of the project have been constructed since 2011 and as a result, noise and vibration complaints have been levied to the City due in part to increased rail traffic and changes to structures within the setback area. HMMH has undertaken a noise and vibration monitoring program to develop data regarding changes to noise conditions over time, to ascertain the cause of the complaints, and to suggest potential remedies to the situation.
