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[CNJRoss]

mySuburbanLife.com, Downers Grove, IL, 7/30:

Elmhurst requests horns minimized during railroad maintenance

ELMHURST – Due to ongoing signal and rail maintenance being performed by Union Pacific, Elmhurst residents may hear train horns sound during overnight hours.

The city of Elmhurst has been in contact with Union Pacific representatives and expressed concerns regarding the disruptive nature of the horns, according to a city news release.

Due to the Metra schedule, weekend work and evening work are the only times that Union Pacific crews are able to complete the work. Union Pacific has asked all locomotive engineers to be mindful of the residential area and to be as discrete as possible, the release said.

Continue.

FRA Train Horn Rule.

[CNJRoss]

City of Elmhurst, IL news release, 7/30:

City Requests Union Pacific to Minimize
Train Horn Impact During Maintenance

Due to ongoing signal and rail maintenance being performed by Union Pacific Railroad (“UP”), Elmhurst residents may hear train horns sound during overnight hours. These horn bursts are in accordance with the Federal Train Horn Rule (49 CFR 222.23) which requires locomotive engineers to sound the horns whenever there are railroad employees, contractors, or trespassers in the right-of-way. This rule is in place for safety purposes.

Train horns must be sounded in a standardized pattern of 2 long, 1 short and 1 long blast. The pattern must be repeated or prolonged until the lead locomotive or lead cab car occupies the grade crossing. The rule does not stipulate the durations of long and short blasts.

Work is expected to be completed by the end of August. The City of Elmhurst has been in contact with UP representatives and expressed concerns regarding the disruptive nature of the horns. Due to the Metra schedule impact, weekend work and evening work are the only times that Union Pacific crews are able to complete this necessary work. UP has asked all locomotive engineers to be mindful of the residential area and to be as discrete as possible.

For more information on the rule, please visit http://www.fra.dot.gov/Page/P0105.

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