The city is developing a Railroad Crossing Safety Action Plan to address the seven at-grade crossings — places where roads cross railroad tracks at the same level — that run through Edina on the CPKC Railroad line. The study, estimated to cost $250,000, would evaluate whether any crossings can be eliminated entirely, whether grade separation improvements are feasible, or what safety measures should be implemented. The city has requested $200,000 in federal funding to help cover the cost, with a decision expected by March 2025.

If crossings cannot be eliminated, the study would examine specific safety mitigation options including pavement markings to show where cars should stop, flashing lights, crossing signage, and overhead arms that stop traffic when trains approach. These improvements are designed to reduce accidents and injuries at the crossings.

The council also discussed growing noise complaints from train horns, which federal regulations require to sound 15 seconds before trains enter public crossings. While the city explored establishing "quiet zones" to eliminate horn requirements, council members learned that the Federal Railroad Administration must approve any quiet zone designation — a process that takes multiple years. Importantly, the city would first need to implement safety mitigation measures at each crossing before the federal agency would even consider approving a quiet zone.

As one council member explained, the approach is hierarchical: "we have to first study if we can eliminate any of the crossings and if we can't then what can we do to mitigate the risks." This means residents should not expect immediate relief from train horn noise, but the safety study represents a first step toward longer-term solutions for both safety and noise concerns.