Frequently Asked Questions

First

Q: Why do the trains blow their horns so much?

A: The federal regulation concerning train horns is officially known as the FRA’s Final Rule on the Use of Locomotive Horns at Highway/Rail Grade Crossings and became effective June 24, 2005. For public safety, federal regulation requires locomotive horns be sounded for 15-20 seconds before entering all public grade crossings, but not more than one-quarter mile in advance. This federal requirement preempts any state or local laws regarding the use of train horns at public crossings.

The Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) required pattern for blowing the horn is two long, one short, and one long sounding horn, repeated as necessary until the locomotive clears the crossing. Locomotive engineers retain the authority to vary this pattern as necessary for crossings in close proximity and are allowed to sound the horn in emergency situations.

(Source: Union Pacific)

Second

Q: What is a railroad quiet zone?

A: The final rule which requires train horns to be sounded also provides an opportunity for localities nationwide to mitigate the effects of train horn noise by establishing “new quiet zones.” “No horn” restriction which may have existed prior to the establishment of the rule may be qualified to be “pre-rule quiet zones”. In a quiet zone, railroads have been directed to cease the routine sounding their horns when approaching public highway-rail grade crossings. Train horns may still be used in emergency situations or to comply with other Federal regulations or railroad operating rules. Localities desiring to establish a quiet zone are first required to mitigate the increased risk caused by the absence of a horn.

(Source: Federal Railroad Administration web page)

Third

Q: Wasn’t this “quiet zone” thing tried here in Valpo before?

A: Yes indeed. See our “News” page for more details on the historical context.

Fourth

Q: How will this time be any different?

A: Well, we don’t know for sure. But, the last attempt coincided with the 2008/2009 global financial crisis. That may have had something to do with its demise. Financial markets and local government budgets have stabilized in comparison to that time.

But it’s also apparent that the previous absence of a large, well-organized, bi-partisan, citizen-led coalition to continually push for it allowed local government officials off the hook. We want to fix that!

We want hundreds or thousands of people to come together on this page, complete the one-minute sign up form, and band together to bring this issue back onto the front burner. Valpo is long overdue for the next phase of concrete actions.