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Yesterday, CSX Transportation announced crews no longer are sounding horns when trains pass through a newly created four-mile "quiet zone" in Blue Island, Evergreen Park and Chicago, Ill., unless an emergency occurs.

CSXT began building the quiet zone — a demonstration project funded by the state of Illinois — in November 2003. The Class I installed four-quadrant gates, loop-detection devices, median barriers, monitoring systems, flashing signals and signal houses, conduit and cable at 11 crossings, and spent $2.7 million to rebuild three crossings to meet the Federal Railroad Administration's quiet zone requirements. In December, the FRA plans to implement new rules governing the creation of quiet zones.

"This is a good example of public-private partnerships allowing for the safe transport of goods and a better quality of life for area residents," said Tony Tuchek, vice president of CSXT's northern region, in a prepared statement.