East Railroad Quiet Zone Public Meeting

Train horns help save lives, but they make life in east Greeley really loud sometimes.
However, City officials have a plan that prioritizes safety and reduces train noise; a Quiet Zone.
To create a Quiet Zone along Greeley’s eastern railroad corridor, the City needs to make improvements and changes at each railroad crossing — including possibly closing the 6th Street railroad crossing. As city staff begins work on the Quiet Zone process, they want feedback from residents, business owners, and commuters about the proposed designation and crossing changes.
Everyone is encouraged to attend a special meeting to talk about possible improvements and changes from 6 to 7 p.m., Thursday, Oct. 18, at the Greeley Recreation Center, 651 10th Ave, Room 101.
By default, trains are required by law to sound their horn at all crossings to alert nearby drivers and pedestrians — even if no one is around. However, with a quiet zone designation, trains may only sound their horns in the case of an emergency — such as a person or car on the tracks.
To obtain a quiet zone designation, Greeley must first make several changes and improvements to railroad crossings in that area to make sure drivers stay off of the tracks when trains are nearby.
Although Greeley will not pursue a Quiet Zone designation along the city’s northern Great Western railroad corridor, the City will construct numerous safety improvements. Staff has begun planning safety improvements along Great Western Railroad crossings at 11th, 14th, 35th, and 59th avenues and O Street.
For more information, contact City Engineer Tom Hellen at 970-350-9793 or tom.hellen@greeleygov.com.