In partnership with Port Houston, the city of Seabrook announced that the Federal Railroad Administration, or FRA, has approved a quiet zone near the intersection of Hwy. 146 and Red Bluff Road, according to a Feb. 18 news release from the city.
The designation, effective Feb. 11, suspends the routine use of train horns in the area, as long as all federally required safety measures are maintained.
Why now?
The city first filed a notice of intent to establish a quiet zone at three railroad crossings in November 2015, according to the news release.
Port Houston completed construction of the rail spur and installed safety upgrades, including enhanced signage, flashing signals and automated crossing gates, which are required for quiet zone eligibility, according to the news release.
After these improvements, the city submitted a notice of establishment, which the FRA approved Feb. 11, according to the news release.
Going forward
While routine horn use is no longer required, train horns will still sound in specific safety situations, such as emergencies, when trains start moving from a stop or during maintenance.
Union Pacific, a major U.S. freight railroad company, noted in the news release that some engineers may sound horns out of habit during an initial transition period.
The city encourages residents to report any excessive horn activity at the designated crossings to Union Pacific or the FRA, including the date, time and crossing location.
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