City announces three railroad quiet zones for historic Westminster

City Manager Andrews told the council that construction will begin soon on three railroad quiet crossings in historic Westminster and that the city will notify nearby residents and businesses by postcard.

"The 3 locations are Lowell Boulevard, which is just south of 71st Place; Bradburn Boulevard between 72nd Avenue and 72nd Way; and 72nd Avenue itself between Newton Street and 72nd Way," the city manager said. "This will allow trains to silently cross those 3 major intersections without sounding their horns." He noted engineers retain the right to sound a horn if safety issues arise.

Staff said the city will mail postcards to more than 2,700 residents and businesses, and that daytime construction hours are planned mostly between 7 a.m. and 6 p.m., Monday through Friday, and that installations are expected to be complete by February.

Councilors praised the project and asked whether other crossings are in progress; staff said they have been working with rail partners for roughly a decade and will provide status updates on additional crossings.

What's next: Staff will mail neighborhood notices and provide more detailed maps and schedules as construction begins. Residents in the affected neighborhoods will receive postcards with project details.