On August 27 at 12:01pm, the City of Duluth, in cooperation with Norfolk Southern Railway and the Federal Railroad Administration, established a Quiet Zone (also called a Reduced Whistle Zone) at several railroad crossings in downtown.
Residents and visitors to the area will no longer regularly hear trains blowing their horns at Brock Road, SR 120 or Davenport Road. Though there may be circumstances and emergencies under which the horn will sound, the city is hoping that those are few and far between. The quiet zone crossings will still have flashing lights, signs, pavement markings and gates. They are also now equipped with additional safety measures. Still, drivers are advised to approach all railroad crossings with caution and awareness.
For people who live and work in or near downtown, this change may be a welcome relief. But for train enthusiasts who love the sound of the horn, fear not. According to a recent news release about the reduced whistle zones, the crossing at the Southeast Railway Museum is not on the quiet zone list. Trains will still sound their horn there (and at other city railroad crossings) as they approach.
Anyone with questions about the quiet zones, can contact the city’s Community Development and Engineering Department at 770-476-1790.
Public service announcement
When approaching railroad crossings, remember to travel safely, look both ways and NEVER stop on the tracks.
If you do find yourself stopped on the tracks with a train approaching, simply pull forward (or backward) — the gates are breakaway and will let your vehicle pass.
If you are stuck with no way to pull off the tracks, get out of your vehicle and move away from the collision site. Your vehicle is replaceable, you aren’t!
