Politics & Government

Silence on the Rails: No More Train Horns in Tinley

Soon, you won't be hearing train engines wail through Tinley Park along the Rock Island corridor. What does that mean for the village? For safety? We're letting you know.

Come July, you won't hear train horns blaring as engines approach any of six railroad crossings.

The Federal Railroad Administration approved this week a request from local officials to make Tinley Park a "quiet zone." The 24-7 mandate will span six at-grade crossings along the Metra Rock Island corridor. It includes Central Avenue, 167th Street, 66th Court, , and 183rd Street.  

The village has budgeted $250,000 for improvements that will be necessary to legally eliminate the routine sounding of train horns in those areas—safety barriers, signage and signals. All construction must be done by the time the new zone takes effect this summer. 

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"We , but the process is well worth it because it results in a higher quality of life for our residents who live near the tracks," Mayor Ed Zabrocki said, in a news release. 

Find out what's happening in Tinley Parkwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Train engineers will still be able to sound their horns in cases of emergency or other situations when they decide it's needed, officials said Tuesday.

The village is now working to finalize engineering plans for the mandated safety improvements. When they're finished, the village will send a final notice to the railroads, which will have 21 days to comply, according to village documents. 

Once the quiet zone is in place, is solely responsible for being in compliance with FRA regulations. Updates are required as much as ever two years, officials said.

"We are certain that the quiet zone will provide welcome relief to residents who regularly listen to those horns night and day," Village Board Trustee Thomas Staunton said. 

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