Locomotive horn noise is a growing concern throughout the country. Currently there is a national proposed rule making that will allow communities to designate quite zones where trains do not sound horns at crossings that have enhanced protection. The Triangle Transit Authority has proposed a quiet zone for the 30-mile regional rail project corridor between Raleigh and Durham and it is expected that many North Carolina communities may seek to follow their lead. Providing enhanced protection at crossings is expensive and cannot be afforded by most communities. In addition, there is a safety concern. The locomotive horn is a proven and effective audible warning device that augments the visual traffic control devices at highway-railroad crossings. Elimination of this integral part of the crossing safety system has been proven to reduce safety.
However, there is a potential solution. A commercially available wayside horn has been developed to replace the locomotive horn. This stationary horn, mounted at the crossing, directs the sound down the intersection roadways rather than along the track. The directional horn can operate at a lower sound level and covers far less adjacent community area. This research project will test and evaluate the wayside horn as an alternative to quite zones.
This study will be carried out in two parts: a field study and opinion survey. Field studies will be conducted at two highway-rail intersections. Data on driver behavior will be collected by direct observation and with the aid of video cameras before installation of the wayside horn and after installation of the horn. Community response to the wayside horn will be determined by a mailed questionnaire. Community response to the wayside horn will be determined by a mailed questionnaire and/or personal interview.
Based upon the research results, recommendations will be made as to whether or not a wayside horn is an acceptable alternative to a quiet zone. The recommendations will consider safety, community concerns, and cost.
