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will be collected. During field measurements, average speed of trucks, vehicle counts and class identification (auto, buses, medium trucks, heavy trucks) will be recorded. Frequency, type of train, time and duration of train horn will be documented. Aberrant noise events will be logged for evaluation of the data. Field measurements assist in evaluating the level of noise reduction that may be provided by existing elements such as fences and scattered vegetation that cannot be precisely modeled by the computer. This information will be an important consideration in the determination of noise impacts and the evaluation of any associated noise abatement measures for the project. Consultant will use the Federal Highway Administration Traffic Noise Model (TNM) version 2.5 (TNM 2.5) traffic noise prediction and analysis software to validate the field measurements. Monitoring site features such as roadway width, significant grade changes, and buildings will be modeled to replicate field conditions. No interior noise level measurements will be performed as part of this effort. The days and times for each crossing will be selected to match the conditions observed by AAF as closely as possible, mimicking traffic conditions and train traffic observed. The results will be presented in a letter report to County staff, along with a recommendation by Consultant as to whether or not the readings presented in the AAF Noise Study appear to be accurate and representative. If upon receipt of the Noise Study from AAF the duration of sampling to be duplicated is determined to be longer than 20 minute readings per crossing, an additional authorization may be needed to perform the requested services. These services will be billed at an hourly labor rate of $150/hour, with equipment rental of $170/week. In addition to collecting actual field readings to confirm existing conditions, Consultant will utilize the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) High -Speed Rail Initial Noise Evaluation Version 2 0 model to calculate the expected noise contribution from a high speed rail train given the site-specific conditions at each of the selected County crossings. TASK 2.0 - QUIET ZONE INDEX CALCULATION The FRA requires additional Safety Supplementary Measures (SSM's) to be installed at all at -grade crossings once track speeds increase from 79 mph (freight/cargo) to a maximum 110 mph (high speed rail). Based on SSM selections and other freight and roadway traffic data, some areas within the County may qualify for a Quiet Zone. Under the FRA Train Horn Rule (49 CFR Part 222), locomotive engineers "must begin to sound train horns at least 15 seconds, and no more than 20 seconds, in advance of all public grade crossings." The Final Rule on Use of Locomotive Horns at Highway -Rail Grade Crossings, published in the Federal Register on April 27, 2005, was intended to: ■ Maintain a high level of public safety by requiring the sounding of locomotive horns at public highway -rail grade crossings; ■ Respond to the concerns of communities seeking relief from train horn noise by considering exceptions to the above requirement and allowing communities to establish "Quiet Zones"; and ■ Take into consideration the interests of localities with existing whistle bans. Communities that feel there are adverse impacts from train horn noise may seek relief through the issuance of a Quiet Zone from FRA. There are currently no Quiet Zones within Indian River County, nor are there any known pre -rule Quiet Zones ("no horn" zones established prior to establishment of the Quiet Zone rules). If the County wishes to petition FRA for Quiet Zones, SSMs are required to mitigate the increased risk resulting from the lack of warning horn usage. Smith A-2 1536 doc