FRA tells communities how to ban train whistles - Rail Update - Federal Railroad Administration - Brief Article

Railway Age, Feb, 2004

The Federal Railroad Administration has published an "Interim Final Rule" that allows communities to silence train horns at about 150,000 railroad grade crossings under important safety guidelines.

"Under the rule, local governments will have the opportunity to establish quiet zones in certain areas where there is a low risk of collision, or to make specific upgrades meant to lessen the risk where the hazards are greater," the late-December FRA announcement said. Upgrade options include four-quadrant crossing gates or an approved median divider to prevent drivers from going around lowered gates; the temporary closure of a crossing; or a one-way street with gates and lights. An automated horn system may be installed at a crossing as a substitute for the train horn.

The final rule will take effect on Dec. 18, 2004, but communities with existing train whistle bans will have five years to implement the requirements. A crossing whistle requirement, except tender specified conditions, was part of the federal Railroad Safety Authorization Act of 1994.