Addressing Railway Challenges
​The Thomas Square Neighborhood Association (TSNA) has launched a Railway Task Force to address growing concerns about railway commerce and its impact on our community’s health, safety, and infrastructure.
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For more information on the Railway Task Force contact TSNA Board Member Linda VanApeldoorn
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Key Community Concerns
As train traffic continues to increase due to commercial growth at Savannah’s ports and industrial shoreline, residents are reporting worsening conditions tied to:
• Noise pollution (especially during overnight hours)
• Damage to building foundations and underground infrastructure
• Traffic disruptions and dangerous crossings
• Chemical and environmental concerns
• Safety hazards from stalled or speeding trains
While the establishment of a quiet zone and reduced rush-hour train stalls have been positive steps forward, significant challenges remain—especially as longer and heavier “super trains” (exceeding 90 cars) become more common.
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Potential Solutions in Discussion
During our conversations thus far with various stakeholders, the following ideas have been proposed:
• Shorter, more frequent trains to reduce the impact of long hauls
• Enforcement of regulated limits on train speed, weight, and noise
• Replacing asphalt crossings with more durable cement slab crossings
• Expanding the quiet zone from Habersham Street to Victory North Drive
• Long-term vision: Repurposing the railway corridor as a linear park (pending industrial relocation)
FAQ
1 / What are the federally regulated noise emission ordinances?
Click here to learn more about the federally regulated noise emission from moving and idling railcars and locomotives.
Click here to learn more about rules for sounding warning train horns when trains approach highway-rail grade crossings.
2 / What are the regulations on train speed?
The maximum allowable speed is determined by the “class of track,” which is determined by a number of factors, such as the quality of the infrastructure. Railroads are also accountable to FRA for complying with Federal Track Safety Standards, and they must inspect and maintain their own equipment and track.
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3 / Are there any federal regulations addressing the impact of a train’s weight on noise pollution and the structural integrity of nearby homes and infrastructure?
NO (we need to check with the EPA)
4 / Is there a maximum railcar weight?
Maximum rail car weight is a function both of track and equipment, which have maximum tolerances known by the railroads and some industry standards. The Association of American Railroads (AAR), the industry trade group, may be able to provide information about industry standards on the weight of railcars and trains.
5 / Who owns the railroad?
CNX Rail (https://www.csx.com/)
6 / Who is currently responsible for maintaining and/or upgrading the railroad and crossings?
Watco (https://www.watco.com/service/rail/savannah-old-fort-svho/) leases the railroad
7 / Who can fine the railroad for certain violations?
Surface Transportation Board (https://www.stb.gov/)
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