Congressman Kean meets constituents at rail crossing to address Branchburg Township ‘quiet zone’ issue
BRANCHBURG TOWNSHIP, NJ (Somerset County) – Congressman Tom Kean, Jr., (NJ-07) together with Branchburg Mayor Anna Columbus Monday met with constituents in the Neshanic Station section of Branchburg Township to address the issue surrounding the loss of a Quiet Zone designation at the Lehigh Road Rail Crossing.
The Congressman has received numerous calls and letters surrounding this quality-of-life issue, with train horns now blowing at all hours of the day and night.
“I visited Branchburg after receiving dozens of emails and calls from constituents because it is important to witness firsthand, alongside the residents most affected by this, how the absence of a Quiet Zone has impacted the basic quality of life in the community,” Kean said. “The township has a history of supporting these kinds of quiet zones. I stand with my Branchburg constituents and will continue fight to help create a new ‘Quiet Zone’ designation.”
“I want to thank you Congressman Tom Kean and let you know that the residents and myself greatly appreciated your presence at the Railroad site on Lehigh Avenue, Branchburg, NJ,” said Anna Columbus, Mayor of Branchburg Township. “You demonstrated a commitment to understanding the issue and advocating for our community’s wellbeing and safety. It is a quality-of-life issue and your firsthand knowledge by being at the site does not go unnoticed.”
Congressman Kean wrote a letter to the Federal Railroad Administration, urging the FRA to create a “quiet zone” for Branchburg Township.
Congressman Kean also confirmed with FRA Administrator Amit Bose his acknowledgement of the letter and his commitment to work with the town on establishment of “Quiet Zone” during January 18th, 2024 Railroads subcommittee hearing.
