TriMet introduces new quiet zone in Milwaukie

The Tri-County Metropolitan Transportation District of Oregon (TriMet) last week instituted a new quiet zone at five grade crossings in Milwaukie, Ore.

Freight- and light-rail operators no longer need to sound their horns as they approach those crossings, unless there is a safety issue, TriMet officials said.

The quiet zone is a part of the 7.3-mile Portland-Milwaukie Light-Rail Transit Project, which is scheduled to begin service Sept. 12.

Intersections were realigned and new traffic signals, concrete medians and crossing gates were installed to ensure crossing safety. Although operators won't utilize their horns in quiet zones, railroad warning equipment will continue to sound as trains pass through the crossing, TriMet officials said.

"These changes keep crossings safe while making the neighborhoods more livable and enjoyable," said TriMet General Manager Neil McFarlane in a press release.

Another quiet zone is in effect at three other crossings in southeastern Portland. TriMet worked with city of Portland and Union Pacific Railroad officials to make improvements to those crossings, agency officials said.