The regular passing of trains through the Castle Rock area is a staple sight that embodies the history of the once-small cowboy town. Train tracks that make their way through the town are the tattoos that mark what was first in the town, and what will always remain a part of the town. After all, the train depot was the very first town structure ever built on Jeremiah Gould’s land, and still today serves as a reminder of the foundation the town was built on.
While the train is a special part of Castle Rock’s personality, many residents have found that the noise of the train’s horn has become increasingly loud and disturbing over the past decade. The disturbance has become too much for many home and business owners in the downtown area, who have called for the town to do something about it.
In February, Castle Rock Town Council members evaluated the option of closing the second street railroad crossing in efforts to establish a train horn quiet zone. Residents of the community expressed strong concerns against it, and Town Council decided not to pursue the option. The overwhelming response was the importance of accessibility.
The Downtown Development Authority along with many residents, strongly opposed the closing of the second street railroad crossing. They believe that Second street is an important downtown access point, and it is better for the access to be maintained. that of which would not be available should the second street railroad crossing be closed off.
A short conversation at the February Town Council meeting focused on the potential option of establishing one-way streets conversions ar Second and Third street. The proposal will be explored, but many feel it to be too narrow of a solution, especially as population and traffic continues to grow throughout the town.
City councilmember, Chip Wilson, has been pushing for the town to establish a train quiet zone since he was elected to office in 2008. He, with other members of the Town Council believe that all of the options should be evaluated, rather than making a quick decision and expediting the ‘fix.’ A timeline has not been set to explore further options.