Special to the Leader

The City of Orange has announced the activation of a railroad ‘quiet zone’ at 9:00 A.M. on Tuesday, May 23, 2016. A ‘quiet zone’ is defined as a section of rail line in which train engineers will no longer routinely sound the train’s horn when approaching railroad crossings. The activation of the quiet zone will affect the following railroad crossings: Main, Green, Cherry, Park, Burton, Link, and Cordrey.

“After several years of city staff working with the Union Pacific Railroad, we are pleased that we have reached the point to activate this quiet zone,” says Jim Wolf, Public Works Director. Wolf confirmed the estimated project cost to the city was $450,000.

The City has implemented supplemental safety measures by adding delineators along with the existing railroad crossing gates and flashing lights to ensure the safety of those motorists crossing over. In addition to these safety measures, the City has closed the following five railroad crossings to traffic: Elm, Pine, Cypress, Orange, and John. Please note, motorists and pedestrians will still need to follow the same warning signs and signals at railroad crossings.