Horn Image

Today was a very successful Wayside Train Horn demonstration at the North High parking lot next to the Union Pacific crossing at D Street.  I have placed a few pictures here.

In the above picture, you will see a grey box that the man in orange in the bucket on the truck is holding.  That is the “wayside horn”.  In front of the horn in the street 100′ from the horn the sound is about 93db.  About as loud as a train horn.  But off to the side the sound dramatically decreases.  In fact, about 100 feet to the side of the horn one could have a conversation while the horn was blowing.  Very dramatic.  To get some idea of the difference between a train horn and wayside horn, visit Quiet Zone Technologies demostration online.

There were about 35-40 people who came out to hear what was going on and I think without exception they were very excited to think that this is a viable possibility to replace train horns.  The city Public Works Department is working hard to find a way to create safer crossings AND implement a Quiet Zone through Salem.  One of those ways is to use a wayside horn, which focuses the sound in a very narrow pattern down the street rather than the neighborhood.  Most crossings, if funding is available, will be a no horn zone (except in emergencies) but in industrial areas or in areas with fewer residences, these horns are a less expensive option.

Horn People Image

At Thursday night’s meeting, the committee was presented with rough estimates on the cost to upgrade each of the 16 UP crossings with safety features that would provide additional safety for pedestrians while also meeting federal requirements for creation of a Quiet Zone.  At our next meeting on March 18 the Public Works staff will present more accurate figures and the committee will begin to identify which crossings we recommend be included in what will probably be Phase 1 of the project.

A public hearing at City Council is tentatively scheduled for May 10 so please mark your calendars.  This is a very important step and a large turnout will help convince the Council to proceed quickly.  So tell all your friends and neighbors to show up at the Council Chambers on May 10.  More specifics later.

As I’ve mentioned in the past, I am very encouraged by the response by the city, especially City Councilor Chuck Bennett and the Public Works Department represented by Tony Martin and Mark Bechtel.  Although Public Works and I don’t always agree on all issues I do think they are working hard on this and in the next year or two, we will have a Quiet Zone.  It still comes down to funding but the more people we have show up at the Council meeting on May 10, the more clout we may have to get the Council to find funding for all 16 UP crossings.

Thanks again for your interest and support.

Alan Scott, Chair
- Railroad Crossing Safety Improvement Advisory Committee
- Northeast Neighbors (NEN)