ST. LUCIE COUNTY — Beginning Monday, Sept. 1, three railroad crossings in southern St. Lucie County will become quiet zones, where train horns will no longer routinely sound for approaching passenger or freight trains.
The crossings at Midway Road, Walton Road and Riverview Drive were selected based on federal criteria, including limited pedestrian use, the presence of four-quadrant gates, and the absence of nearby intersections or vehicle stacking issues. Safety records at the locations also factored into the designation.
“The increase of 32 passenger trains per day, in addition to the increase in freight, most of which run at night, has negatively impacted the quality of life for residents who live along the railroad and in proximity to highway rail grade crossings,” St. Lucie County Public Works Director Patrick Dayan said in the release. “We hope these new quiet zones help residents rest easier.”…