Update on the Pedestrian Audible Warning System (PAWS)

PRESS RELEASE

CITY OF SAN CLEMENTE
OFFICE OF THE CITY MANAGER
ERIK SUND, INTERIM CITY MANAGER

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

2/12/2021
Update on the Pedestrian Audible Warning System (PAWS)
and Federal Renewal Process

The City is in process with the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) of renewing the 2015 waiver for the Pedestrian Audible Warning System (PAWS) that is used to avoid routine sounding of train horns through San Clemente. The FRA conducted an inspection on January 26, 2021 of the PAWS at each of the seven at-grade railroad crossings from Dije Court to Avenida Calafia. All PAWS locations successfully exceeded the standard for minimum sound levels (80 decibels).

At the conclusion of the January 26th inspection, FRA inspectors completed and submitted their report to the FRA’s Washington D.C. office. The City learned that the waiver request would be subject to a 30 day public comment period, which started February 11, 2021. We encourage the residents to engage in this public comment process (link provided below). The City is diligently working to have the waiver request considered by the FRA’s Safety Board in March, which immediately follows the closure of the 30 day public comment period.

The City of San Clemente is committed to maintaining a safe environment and also knows the importance of this waiver for the residents who reside in close proximity to the railroad. Interim City Manager, Erik Sund stated “The City remains dedicated to the operation of the PAWS and we will continue to remain engaged with the FRA to advocate for approval of the City’s waiver request at the earliest possible opportunity. As soon as the waiver is approved and effective, the trains can cease the routine sounding of horns at the pedestrian crossings."

To view applicable documents and/or leave a public comment please click below:

https://www.regulations.gov/docket?D=FRA-2020-0038