Boulder is now asking the public to help it prioritize which railroad crossings should be chosen for construction of "quiet zones" in coming years.

An open house on the issue is planned for Thursday from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the Boulder Chamber, 2440 Pearl St.

Responding to citizen and business concerns about train horns blaring on the Burlington Northern Santa Fe route through east and northeast Boulder, the city has been investigating, with the aid of various outside agencies, the feasibility of upgrading nine crossings — three just outside city limits, and six inside.

Crossings become "quiet zones" once a certain level of physical infrastructure and warning systems are in place, allowing engineers to safely pass through without having to sound warning horns.

Boulder estimates the work could cost between $2.8 million and $4.6 million, of which it has secured about $1 million to date, in grant money from the Denver Regional Council of Governments.

Construction won't begin until next year and will likely run into 2019, and perhaps beyond, Boulder officials have said.

In a news release, the city explained its approach to choosing the crossings most in need of upgrades.

"The options for prioritizing railroad quiet zone crossing improvements will be based on factors including the number of people living and working within half a mile of the railroad crossings, type and proximity of adjacent land uses (existing and/or planned), as well as street characteristics, costs for installation, potential on-going maintenance responsibilities, opportunities for multi-agency and public/private partnerships, and above all, safety," the release read.

More information is available at bouldercolorado.gov/Transportation/RRQZ.

Alex Burness: 303-473-1389, burnessa@dailycamera.com or twitter.com/alex_burness

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