Politics & Government
Shhh! Railroad Crossing Quiet Zones Start Monday
Tinley Park received final approval from the Federal Railroad Administration to institute 24-hour quiet zones at the village's six railroad crossings. These areas mean engineers can't sound train horns except in emergencies.
With renovation work officially finished and the opening of the pedestrian underpass at the 80th Avenue Metra station, Tinley Park's six railroad crossings can now institute "quiet zones," beginning Monday, Dec. 3.
READ: Silence on the Rails—No More Train Horns in Tinley
Tinley Park received approval from the Federal Railroad Administration this week to enact the 24-hour quiet zones at the crossings at Central Avenue, 167th Street, 66th Court, Oak Park Avenue, 80th Avenue and 183rd Street, according to a village press release. The zone means engineers cannot sound train horns except for emergency or safety reasons, the release continued.
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“We have worked diligently to ensure that these crossings meet safety standards,” Trustee Thomas Staunton, who heads the village's Public Works Committee, stated in the release. “The train engineer maintains the option to sound the horns when absolutely necessary, but the crossings will now be much more quiet and peaceful for those who live near them.”
READ: What it Means for Tinley Residents When Trains Go Silent
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The Federal Railroad Administration had initially approved the village's quiet zone request to be implemented in July, but completion of the 80th Avenue station's underpass delayed that.
In order for the quiet zones to be implemented, the village budgeted $250,000 for improvements at those crossings, including erecting safety barriers, signage and signals.
“We are very grateful to residents who have waited patiently for the successful conclusion of this lengthy process,” said Mayor Ed Zabrocki in the release. “We also thank Metra for working with us to improve the quality of life for residents who live near the tracks.”
Monday will be the first day engineers won't be allowed to sound their horns, but it could take a month or so for them to adapt to the new zones, the release added.
Other Metra Train Stories on Tinley Park Patch:
- Is Tinley's 80th Ave. Station the Taj Mahal for Commuters? (Photos)
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