District 6 Alderperson, Marsha Rummel, is pleased to announce that Quiet Zone 4 located along the railroad corridor from Johnson Street to the Division Street bike path has officially started. "This is a basic quality of life issue for many people. We are learning more about the adverse public health impacts of noise, from hearing loss, to sleep disturbances to cardiovascular problems", said Ald Rummel. "With the creation of the Quiet Zone, an uninterrupted nights sleep is within the reach of hundreds of residents."

In 2005, former District 6 Alderperson, Judy Olson sponsored a resolution to authorize the City Engineer and City Attorney to establish quiet zones within the City of Madison. The ordinance was adopted after the city's Train Whistle Ban ordinance was eliminated by the Federal requirement that trains blow their whistles upon approaching crossings unless quiet zones could be established. At that time City Engineering staff conducted a study and determined that there were 7 potential Quiet Zones within the city.

Ald. Marsha Rummel wishes to thank former alderperson, Judy Olson, the members of the 2005 Common Council, Mayor Dave Cieslewicz, City Engineer Larry Nelson and his staff for their dedicated work on establishing Quiet Zones in the City of Madison and for making Quiet Zone 4 a reality. The cost for the project, $783,000, was partially funded by TIF 37.

"Alder Rummel has worked hard to implement Quiet Zone 4 and enhance the quality of life for many in the sixth district," Mayor Dave Cieslewicz said. "I commend her hard work, and that of Judy Olson and our City Engineer, Larry Nelson as we make Quiet Zone 4 a reality."

Ald. Marsha Rummel will continue to advocate for safety improvements for neighbors on the near east side, particularly those residing along Corry and Waubesa Streets and the central isthmus area between Baldwin and Blair Streets, who are still without these improvements at their grade crossings. "We're very thankful to the City, for making this investment in rail crossing safety," Dan Melton, Chair of the Schenk-Atwood Neighborhood Association, said. Funding in 2011 for Quiet Zone 3 (near east side) is contained in the Mayor's proposed 2009 Capital Budget.