Quiet Zone established today for the 16 railroad crossings throughout the city
Feb. 23, 2011
ORANGE – Residents in Orange will finally have relief as the train horns fall silent today with the beginning of the long-awaited citywide quiet zone.
New railroad crossing safety enhancements were completed at all 16 crossings in Orange as part of the Orange County Transportation Authority’s rail safety program and led the way for the establishment of the quiet zone.
By law, engineers must sound their horns up to four times when they approach a crossing. If a quiet zone is established, trains will only sound their horns if the engineer believes it necessary for safety reasons or the train is traveling through a construction zone.
“I am thrilled that the safety enhancements are finished and our city officially has a quiet zone in place,” said Carolyn Cavecche, mayor of Orange and an OCTA board member. “This is something our city has been working toward for years and I am excited our residents will finally have relief from noisy train horns rolling through town.”
Work began on the crossings in August 2009 and wrapped up in January, allowing the city to officially apply for quiet zone status with the Federal Railroad Administration.
Improvements include upgraded and updated warning devices, additional gate arms, extended and raised street medians, improved signage and coordinated traffic signals.
“This is a significant milestone for one of the most comprehensive rail safety programs in the nation,” said OCTA Chair Pat Bates, also the Fifth District supervisor. “OCTA has taken a proactive approach to improving rail safety in the county and we are excited to continue working with the cities to complete construction at the remaining crossings.”
OCTA is partnering with eight cities and Metrolink to implement the $85 million program, which includes safety enhancements at 50 railroad crossings throughout Orange County. Once the improvements are made, cities are able to apply for quiet zone status.
“We applaud OCTA for its investment in safety at rail crossings,” said Metrolink CEO John Fenton. “Quiet zones can make living near a railroad much more peaceful. However, it removes a popular warning indication that a train is near. In these instances, it’s critical for motorists and pedestrians to observe the inaudible indicators such as crossing arms, blinking lights and signage.”
OCTA’s rail safety program also includes a robust public outreach campaign to raise awareness about how to be safe along the tracks. When near a railroad crossing, the public is encouraged to look and listen for a train approaching.
For tips on how to be rail safe or to learn more about railroad crossing safety enhancements in your area, visit www.octa.net/railroadcrossing.
