WACO – Waco is footing the $1.2 million bill to make ‘Quiet Zone’ changes at ten Union Pacific railroad intersections within a 1.4-mile stretch between Peach St. and 13th St.
These quiet zones prohibit incoming trains from blowing horns unless it is an emergency.
Gregg Glime, real estate agent working in the downtown area, says, “This has been a nuisance for business owners, tourists, residents, pedestrians, etc. This is just one more step toward a more prosperous and enjoyable downtown.”
Union Pacific will replace all signal equipment at the crossings, including flashing lights and gates. It will set up boxes resembling cabins near the tracks to hold electrical components.
The city will pay Union Pacific approximately $34,000 annually to maintain warning devices at the crossings.
Work may start in six to nine months.