(The following story by Tom Diemer appeared on the Cleveland Plain Dealer website on December 18.)
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Two long blasts. then a short one, followed by another long one – another train rumbling through town. Relief for those suffering from train whistles and horns may be on the way.
The federal government issued rules yesterday for “quiet zones” in communities near rail crossings, allowing residents to be spared the racket, but only if safety standards are met.
Since 1994, trains have been required to toot horns when approaching crossings.
Rep. Dennis Kucinich, whose Cuyahoga County district has seen increased train activity as the result of the CSX-Conrail merger last decade, said Federal Rail Administration rules are a “positive, long-awaited development.”
“The FRA has attempted to assure safety while providing residents of communities with high train traffic much needed noise relief,” Kucinich said.
The rules call for a 60-day public comment period in anticipation of taking effect in one year.
Kucinich will meet with mayors in his district to determine the cost and feasibility of making upgrades of gates and lights at crossings to meet the safety standards and qualify as quiet zones.
Some communities may have to add devices at crossings to prevent motorists from squeezing through closed gates.
The federal plan will supersede local laws, but communities that have already set up quiet zones can keep them if they show their crossings are relatively safe.
Transportation Secretary Norman Mineta said the rules will mean less noise for millions of Americans who live near rail crossings.