Norton Introduces Bill to Establish Grant Program to Mitigate Harmful Effects of Train Noise, Vibrations and Derailments on Homes

WASHINGTON, D.C. –– Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC), a senior member of the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure and the ranking member of the Subcommittee on Highways and Transit, introduced a bill today to establish a grant program for the design and construction of barriers to mitigate rail activity that may harm homes and their occupants, including derailments, noise and vibrations.

"District of Columbia residents routinely contact me concerning the negative impact trains, including train noise and vibrations, have on residents’ health, quality of life, and the structural integrity of their homes," Norton said. "While trains are a critical mode of transportation, last year’s Norfolk Southern train derailment in East Palestine demonstrated the need for increased safety measures to protect the residents who live near train tracks. Physical barriers, like the kind my bill would provide for, have proven effective in mitigating the harmful effects of both train noise, vibrations and derailments.”

Norton also introduced a bill to require the Department of Transportation to submit recommendations, including cost estimates, to Congress on how to reduce train noise and vibrations near homes.

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