Routine train horns will soon be silenced at eight railroad crossings in Downtown Kent after the city received federal approval to establish a Quiet Zone along the BNSF Railway mainline.
Mayor Dana Ralph announced the milestone during Tuesday night’s Kent City Council meeting, saying the Federal Railroad Administration has approved the Quiet Zone, which will take effect during the week of Aug. 24.
The approved Quiet Zone extends from S. 259th Street in the south to S. 212th Street in the north and marks the culmination of more than 14 years of planning, coordination, engineering work, and advocacy by the City.
“The designation represents a major milestone for residents and businesses located near the rail corridor,” officials said.
The approved Quiet Zone includes all eight BNSF mainline crossings at:
- S 212th Street
- James Street
- Smith Street
- Meeker Street
- Gowe Street
- Titus Street
- Willis Street (SR 516)
- S 259th Street
“This is a major accomplishment for our community and something residents and businesses have been asking for over many years,” Ralph said. “I want to especially recognize our Public Works Department for their persistence and dedication throughout this process. Their technical expertise and commitment helped Kent meet rigorous federal requirements and bring this long standing community priority across the finish line.”
Under federal law, train horns are generally required at public highway rail grade crossings unless communities meet specific safety standards. To qualify for the Quiet Zone designation, Kent completed extensive safety analyses and installed improvements at several crossings, including raised concrete medians, pavement markings and enhanced signs intended to improve driver awareness and reduce unsafe crossing movements.
The City of Kent Public Works Department led the effort, coordinating technical studies, engineering improvements, railroad coordination, regulatory compliance and engagement with federal partners to satisfy the requirements of the Federal Railroad Administration’s Quiet Zone Program.
Although routine horn sounding will end within the designated area, train operators may still use horns in emergency situations or to warn pedestrians, trespassers, animals or vehicles that are illegally on or near railroad tracks. Train horns also may continue at spur crossings outside the Quiet Zone.
The city said the designation represents a significant quality of life improvement for residents and businesses near the rail corridor while maintaining strong railroad safety standards.
About the Quiet Zone Program
The Federal Railroad Administration Quiet Zone Program allows communities to eliminate the routine sounding of train horns at public crossings if approved safety measures are implemented to maintain railroad and public safety. Quiet Zones are designed to balance community quality of life with continued safe railroad operations.
