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Ohio Gov. Bob Taft recently signed legislation that will enable municipalities to create quiet zones or institute whistle bans, according to a news item on the Association of American Railroads' Web site.

Taking effect in November, the legislation nullifies a 1953 state law that required trains to blow their horns when approaching a grade crossing.

To create a quiet zone, a city must increase safety around crossings by adding gates, installing lights and grade separating track — improvements that cost between $100,000 and $200,000 per crossing. Funding for crossing upgrades would come from federal, state and local government sources.

Cities likely won't see make any changes for at least a year, said Stu Nicholson, spokesman for the Ohio Rail Development Commission.

On Dec. 18, a Federal Railroad Administration train-horn rule will take effect, enabling local governments to establish quiet zones at designated public crossings.