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Today, the Federal Railroad Administration announced it extended the effective date of its Interim Final Rule (IFR) on locomotive horn use at grade crossings from April 1 to June 24.

The extension will provide the agency more time to complete the IFR approval process and give public authorities additional time to establish conditions that preserve pre-existing whistle bans or create quiet zones. FRA officials expect to publish the final rule in spring.

“We are keenly aware that communities nationwide are eagerly awaiting publication of the final rule,” said acting FRA Administrator Robert Jamison in a prepared statement. “We are confident that it will satisfactorily address the varied concerns and interests of communities throughout the country regarding the use of train horns at grade crossings.”

Issued in December 2003, the "Interim Final Rule on Use of Locomotive Horns at Highway-Rail Grade Crossings" would require trains to sound their horns when approaching and moving through public crossings. The rule also would allow communities to establish quiet zones if the municipality installs certain safety measures at affected crossings.

The Federal Railroad Safety Authorization Act of 1994 required the FRA to issue regulations that require railroads to sound locomotive horns when approaching and traveling through crossings, except under specified conditions.