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Earlier this summer, Transport Canada's Transportation Development Centre (TDC) began testing automatic wayside horns at a two grade crossings in Saguenay, Quebec.

After receiving noise complaints from residents last year, Saguenay officials requested the TDC launch a pilot program to determine if a wayside horn could reduce noise levels but still alert motorists about an oncoming train.

Featuring tone modules digitally recorded from a locomotive horn, the wayside horn is directed toward motorists to concentrate sound at road traffic. The TDC plans to complete testing at summer’s end but continue to monitor the device in winter during harsh weather conditions.

“If the technology proves to be successful, Transport Canada may consider this as an alternative to the locomotive horn in certain instances,” said TDC Project Manager Anthony Napoli in a prepared statement.

A similar study conducted in Mundelein, Ill., found a wayside horn decreased area noise levels 85 percent and led to 70 percent fewer crossing violations. Wayside horns have been installed at a number of crossings in California, Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Nebraska and Texas.