WOODS CROSS—Residents who live along the railroad line from Salt Lake to Ogden, have been enduring the blast of train horns as they rumble by their neighborhoods that were previously considered part of the “Quiet Zone.” In September, the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) issued a temporary suspension of the entire quiet zone. Those residents will now get some relief.

On Tuesday, March 18, the FRA granted approval of a waiver submitted in a joint request by North Salt Lake City and Salt Lake City on Dec. 11, 2024 to the FRA for a waiver of compliance “from certain provisions of the Federal railroad safety regulations… relating to required grade crossing warning devices at crossings within the quiet zone,” a letter from the FRA read in part.

The approval was given with some conditions to the cities, for the North Salt Lake Main Street and Salt Lake City 1000 West railroad crossings. Union Pacific also indicated they will shorten the construction schedules and raise the priority for the two projects. 

“The FRA indicated that they will send the railroads the directive immediately to stop sounding the train horns with the understanding that Salt Lake City is working quickly to close 1000 West at the crossing,” a letter from Woods Cross City said. “The railroads typically have seven days to comply with the FRA directive.”

“A heartfelt thanks to everyone that has contributed to the effort to bring all crossings into compliance, support the waiver, and ensure the safety of citizens and railroad workers in the Woods Cross Quiet Zone,” said Woods Cross City Administrator, Bryce Haderlie. “We also want to acknowledge the support and influence of our members of Congress, state and local leaders, legislators and agencies throughout Utah that have supported the efforts to overcome this challenge.”