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The Orange County Transportation Authority (OCTA) has completed the first group of grade crossing safety improvements that will help create quiet zones throughout Orange County.

OCTA is partnering with eight cities to complete the $85 million program, which calls for improving 50 crossings by upgrading warning devices, adding gate arms, installing extended and raised medians, improving signage and coordinating traffic signals.  

So far, work has been completed at nine crossings and construction is under way on seven more. Construction on all crossings is expected to be completed by 2011’s end. Cities then will be able to apply for quiet zone status.

“With planned service increases to Metrolink and freight traffic, OCTA has initiated the most comprehensive rail safety program in the nation,” said Will Kempton, chief executive officer of OCTA, in a prepared statement.