• We’re currently investigating an issue related to the forum theme and styling that is impacting page layout and visual formatting. The problem has been identified, and we are actively working on a resolution. There is no impact to user data or functionality, this is strictly a front-end display issue. We’ll post an update once the fix has been deployed. Thanks for your patience while we get this sorted.

How heavily is a specific section of railroad track traveled?

Jeff7181

Jeff7181

Lifer
I did some Googling, but couldn't find a source for this type of information.

I'm considering buying a house near a railroad track and I'm trying to figure out how often a train will pass. If it's many times a day, I might at the very least select a different lot. But if it's once a day or less, that probably won't affect my decision.

Anyone know where I could find this kind of information (aside from asking current homeowners in the area)?
 
I loved hearing the trains when I lived near the tracks. In Kentucky, I lived close enough to the NS mainline to shake the house with every passing train. In Cheyenne, the squeal of wheels on rail and banging of cars was constant. There' something about a train.
 
DaTT said:
Ask the people in the neighbourhood.
Click to expand...
I wouldn't trust their answer. I lived 2 1/2 blocks from the railroad tracks - I didn't hear the trains. I just tuned them completely out. Sort of the same thing for people near airports - at first, it's annoying, but after a while, it's so routine that you don't even pay attention.
 
You can get an idea by looking at the track itself. Is it well maintained? Do the road crossings have grade separation, gates, or just signs?

Also, look at the traffic pattern relative to the tracks. Are you going to be cut off from the world every time a train passes?
 
Jeff7181 said:
I did some Googling, but couldn't find a source for this type of information.

I'm considering buying a house near a railroad track and I'm trying to figure out how often a train will pass. If it's many times a day, I might at the very least select a different lot. But if it's once a day or less, that probably won't affect my decision.

Anyone know where I could find this kind of information (aside from asking current homeowners in the area)?
Click to expand...

Unfortunately I can't answer your question but my inlaws live near tracks (Back yard, raised. Look out the bathroom window and you see the train station platform)

Schedules can change. House location does not.
You will get used to the noise and vibration.
Avoid anywhere near crossings since that's where the horns get blasted.
Make sure the house is probably inspected (vibration inpact on foundation, roofing, sidings pipes..)
 
pauldun170 said:
Unfortunately I can't answer your question but my inlaws live near tracks (Back yard, raised. Look out the bathroom window and you see the train station platform)

Schedules can change. House location does not.
You will get used to the noise and vibration.
Avoid anywhere near crossings since that's where the horns get blasted.
Make sure the house is probably inspected (vibration inpact on foundation, roofing, sidings pipes..)
Click to expand...

I said buying a house, but what I meant was building. Supposedly this builder is pretty good... they do things like use 2x6 studs for exterior walls... insulate and seal really really well to beat EPA standards by like 40%, etc.

It's a pretty rural area... so I imagine it'll be freight for the most part rather than passenger cars.

*EDIT* And there are crossing a half mile away in each direction.
 
Last edited:
How near is near?

A mile away isn't too bad. You'll still hear the horns if there's a crossing close by, but the "clickety-clack" of the trains won't be overly loud.

A couple of blocks away and you'll quickly learn to hate trains.
 
Jeff7181 said:
I said buying a house, but what I meant was building. Supposedly this builder is pretty good... they do things like use 2x6 studs for exterior walls... insulate and seal really really well to beat EPA standards by like 40%, etc.

It's a pretty rural area... so I imagine it'll be freight for the most part rather than passenger cars.

*EDIT* And there are crossing a half mile away in each direction.
Click to expand...

yeah no.
 
BoomerD said:
How near is near?

A mile away isn't too bad. You'll still hear the horns if there's a crossing close by, but the "clickety-clack" of the trains won't be overly loud.

A couple of blocks away and you'll quickly learn to hate trains.
Click to expand...

Less than 100 feet.
 
I would call and ask railroad, but you also need to check to see if it is a commuter line as well, with that you can just look up the schedule.

But I would not call the railroad if you have a name that could be considered "terrorist-like", because it will end poorly for you.
 
I lived in an apartment for 9 years that had very active tracks 40 yards from the back door. Luckily, there wasn't a crossing nearby so I never had to listen to the horns. When the train goes by, it would shake the apartment. When I first moved in, the shaking was so noticeable it would wake me in my sleep in the middle of the night. After a few months though, I never noticed a train again unless I happened to be looking out the window.

You get used to it and then just don't notice. No longer would it wake me, no longer would I notice any shaking of my apartment. My friends would when they were over though. I would not hesitate one bit to move near the tracks again. Well, providing I didn't have to deal with crossings. Nothing is worse than being stuck at a train crossing if you're in a hurry to get someplace.
 
Jeff7181 said:
I did some Googling, but couldn't find a source for this type of information.

I'm considering buying a house near a railroad track and I'm trying to figure out how often a train will pass. If it's many times a day, I might at the very least select a different lot. But if it's once a day or less, that probably won't affect my decision.

Anyone know where I could find this kind of information (aside from asking current homeowners in the area)?
Click to expand...

Depends on the tracks. If it's active, then it will be several times a day. Don't bother.
 
probably so obvious that it doesn't need to be said .. but, look on google maps, is there a city/passenger/metro type train route routed on those tracks? If there is, then you will probably have lots of trains.

Of course there are some tracks around here that are freight only but still seems like theres always a train on the tracks and stuck waiting to get across the tracks forever....
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

TRENDING THREADS

Back
Top