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[CNJRoss]

Trains News Wire

 

Florida county won’t seek quiet zones on Brightline route

 

By Trains Staff | February 16, 2024

 

Indian River County wants horns to continue for safety reasons

 

VERO BEACH, Fla. — County Commissioners in Indian River County, Fla., will not seek to develop quiet zones at 22 grade crossings in unincorporated areas along Brightline’s route in the county, preferring the safety impact of having trains continuing to sound their horns.

 

SNIP

 

“I think with time, people will get used to it,” he said. “Florida East Coast Railway has been traveling through here for over 100 years. If you buy a home or start a business near the tracks, you have to know you’re going to hear trains.”

 

The county does ban train horns from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., but that is unenforceable because it conflicts with federal requirements to sound horns at grade crossings.

 

Cities in the county can still pursue quiet zones on their own.

 

 

More here.  

[CNJRoss]

Treasure Coast Newspapers (TCPalm.com), 5/16/24

 

Brightline, FEC train horns to continue in Indian River as County Commission nixes quiet zones

 

INDIAN RIVER COUNTY — County commissioners are willing to put up with train horns sounding more than 50 times a day rather than sacrifice the safety they believe those horns create.

 

The County Commission earlier this month decided not to impose quiet zones — horn-free areas ― at the 22 railroad crossings in unincorporated areas.

 

"I do not think that it is the time to take the safety measures that the horns provide away," said Commissioner Joe Earman. "It would be a step backwards if we took that away."

 

SNIP

 

While some residents have complained the horns affect their quality of life, quieting the trains now would be "like driving your car without a seatbelt," said Commissioner Deryl Loar. "At this moment, it does not make sense to take them away.

 

 

More here.