Trains Blaring Horns All Night - Montrose/Midtown/Heights

[IndyRC]

I live in the area, and I think I've noticed it only once in the last week. I kinda like the sound of the trains too.

[katygirl68]

Originally Posted by snackdog

The train honking seems to be getting worse near the Washington ave corridor. I know there was a big fuss about a year ago. What is the status? Seems like they honk like hell these days, especially around 3 am. Anyhow else notice this?

I used to live over that way and actually grew to like the sound. They weren’t honking much at that time of night then, but the clacking was really relaxing. I think they have to when there’s high traffic or the railroad crossing barriers or signs marking the crossings aren’t good.

[katygirl68]

Originally Posted by elnina

The City of Houston has developed a Quiet Zone Program to address train horn noise near neighborhoods. Quiet Zones are segments of railroad lines where train crews are exempt from sounding the horn at grade crossings. However, the train engineer may use the train horn if there is any activity on or near the track that he or she deems to be unsafe. The program will enhance at-grade crossing safety while improving the quality of life for those neighborhoods adjacent to the railroad corridor being considered.

Unless a grade crossing is designated as a Quiet Zone, federal law requires that trains must sound the horn 15-20 seconds prior to arrival at a grade crossing. This means the train horn must be sounded continuously from about a ¼ mile in advance of a grade crossing until the train reaches the crossing.

There is currently a list of 10 areas that are petitioning for a Quiet Zone and the process is lengthy. Also, the costs of creating new intersections along cross streets that comply with federal regulations can run up to hundreds of thousands of dollars. Unfortunately, in the current fiscal environment, funding is tight. City Council Member Jack Christie continues to follow this issue closely, and as soon as there are available funds for Quiet Zone programs, he will do his best to make certain that these areas are expanded.

Follow this link https://documents.publicworks.houstontx.gov/documents/
divisions/traffic/qzapppolicy_707_2_.pdf to learn more about Quiet Zone requirements and to view the application for a Quiet Zone study in your area.

Great post! Very informative.

[Clothahump]

Originally Posted by TheMoreYouKnow

Montrose? I highly doubt it.

I saw what you did there.

[Mr. Krinkle]

Originally Posted by 3shipguy

Montrose/midtown/Heights neighborhoods are not rich enough to have that privilege?

furthermore, Montrose is not near a train track

[snackdog]

I can assure the train horns are deafening in The Montrose. The hapless Heights-ites must be up in arms.

[Mr. Krinkle]

You must have dog ears The nearest track is about a mile away, and that is if you live close to Allen Parkway.

[SanJac]

Originally Posted by snackdog

I can assure the train horns are deafening in The Montrose. The hapless Heights-ites must be up in arms.

Heights and Washington are quiet zones...not sure where you live that you are hearing train horns.