Connecticut DOT installs state's first automated horn system

The Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTDOT) announced an automated horn system was placed in service Jan. 21 at a grade crossing along the CTrail Hartford Line corridor.

Connecticut now has become the first state in New England to use the systems, which are commonly known as wayside horns, CTDOT officials said in a press release.

In the coming weeks, wayside horns will be installed at the Pent Highway crossing between North Plains Industrial and North Colony roads in Wallingford. CTDOT plans to continue installing automated horn systems at crossings along the Hartford Line to reduce train noise.

An automated horn system features stationary horns mounted on poles at active crossings. The system is designed to direct a consistent audible warning toward the roadway, alerting motorists, pedestrians and bicyclists about an approaching train.

The systems take the place of train-mounted horns, which typically can be heard from distances as far as a half-mile from a crossing, CTDOT officials said.
 
"The installation of wayside horns is part of [our] obligation to reduce noise associated with the Hartford Line rail service and to improve the quality of life for communities along the corridor," said Richard Andreski, CTDOT's public transportation bureau chief.

The Hartford Line features 17 weekday round trips between New Haven and Hartford, with 12 of them continuing north, terminating at Union Station in Springfield, Massachusetts.