2021_03-23_PWETCpacket - Laserfiche WebLink

Home

Wayside Horns The implementation of a Quiet Zone is one method of eliminating a train horn at a rail crossing. Another method of potentially eliminating train horns is through the installation of wayside horns at a crossing. Wayside horns are mounted on either side of a rail crossing and face down the road at oncoming traffic. The wayside horn is sounded instead of the train horn when a train approaches. While the train horn is eliminated, the noise associated with a rail crossing is not. Instead, the noise becomes localized and results in an overall reduction in noise in an area. The reduction in noise is achieved through the directional nature of the wayside horn. The sound is concentrated down the road rather than throughout the surrounding area. See attached figure for a concept comparison of noise between a standard train horn and a typical wayside horn. As shown, a train horn has a greater impact area and is louder in comparison with a typical wayside horn system. Although not considered an SSM for a Quiet Zone, a wayside horn the rail crossing must be equipped with flashing lights and gates; a constant warning time device, if reasonably practical; and a power -out indicator and the following conditions: The horn system must sound at a minimum of 15 seconds prior to the train's locomotive arrival at the crossing and while the lead locomotive is traveling across the crossing. It is permissible for the horn system to begin to sound simultaneously with activation of the flashing lights or descent of the crossing arm. The horn system must be equipped with an indicator or other system to notify the locomotive engineer as to whether the wayside horn is operating as intended in sufficient time to enable the locomotive engineer to sound the locomotive horn for at least 15 seconds prior to arrival at the crossing in the event the wayside horn is not operating as intended. The railroad must adopt an operating rule, bulletin, or special instruction requiring that the train horn be sounded if the wayside horn indicator is not visible approaching the crossing The horn system must provide a minimum sound level of 92 dB(A) and a maximum of 110 dB(A) when measured 100 feet from the centerline of the nearest track.