SAN DIEGO — The Federal Railroad Administration has reinstated the Quiet Zone in Downtown San Diego after nearly three weeks of around-the-clock, loud train horns disrupting Downtown and Little Italy residents.
The City of San Diego said the federal agency confirmed that the 12 railroad crossings in Downtown San Diego are now in compliance with federal standards, bringing an end to loud train and trolley horns in the area.
According to the city, the FRA deemed the Quiet Zone in full compliance and transit agencies have seven days to comply with the Quiet Zone reinstatement.
The city said North County Transit District, which operates the Coaster, has already stopped sounding its horns in the area.
”The City’s Transportation Department expedited all of the required sign installations and striping to achieve restoration of the Quiet Zone faster than anticipated,” Mayor Todd Gloria said. “I am grateful to the City crews for getting this work done quickly and to Federal Railroad Administration staff for working with the City to resolve this issue.”
The Quiet Zone was suspended by the Federal Railroad Administration on Jan. 19 after an inspection by federal officials revealed a pattern of non-compliance in the railroad crossings near Downtown San Diego and Little Italy.
According to the city, the City of San Diego Transportation Department has created and installed more than 120 railroad crossing signs and new road markings in Downtown San Diego and Little Italy.
The new signs and markings were installed at the Laurel Street, Grape Street, Cedar Street, Beech Street, Ash Street, Broadway, Kettner Boulevard, G Street, Hawthorn Street, Market Street, Front Street, First Avenue and Fifth Avenue crossings.
WATCH RELATED: Little Italy, Downtown San Diego 'Quiet Zone' temporarily suspended by federal railroad officials
