What is a Quiet Zone?

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Q: What is a "Quiet Zone"?

A: Since 2006, a federal regulation ("Train Horn Rule" 49 CFR 222) has required trains to sound horns at railroad crossings unless certain "Quiet Zone" criteria are met. A "Quiet Zone" is a half-mile length of track where the FRA requires that trains not sound the horn except in emergencies. To meet the criteria, extra safety equipment is added such as signs and a raised concrete median along the yellow lines in the middle of the street to prevent cars from driving around the closed gates. The existing signs, gates, bells and flashing lights continue to be used.

Q: What might I want to consider related to obtaining Quiet Zones in the City of Plymouth, Michigan?

A: There are now more affordable alternatives to accomplish the goals of improving the safety of the crossing and reducing noise. The following are worth considering:

1. The Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) does not require installation of additional safety measures before approving the Quiet Zone, but rather provides a contingent approval.

2. One can implement Quiet Zones in half-mile segments, so not all crossings would need to be done at the same time, or at all.

3. FRA now has a waiver process for certain aspects of their criteria including Constant Warning Time (CWT) circuitry. Four quadrant gates are not required.

4. There have been additional econometric studies that demonstrate Quiet Zones increase property values, which in turn increase the tax base paying for the initial modest investment.

5. Both FRA and CSX now have more experience with 2006 Quiet Zone rule and have streamlined their processes. There are now over 500 communities with Quiet Zone crossings, most of which seem very similar to Plymouth's situation.

6. There is Federal and State funding available for this sort of safety improvement.

7. Wayne County has indicated they would create a joint application.

8. The City of Plymouth has hard-working, competent elected and non-elected officials who are familiar with navigating Federal regulations and interacting with CSX.