SALT LAKE CITY (ABC 4 News) – UTA’s FrontRunner South commuter rail service begins December 10th and those that live nearby can expect a lot less noise.
The line of tracks that runs from Salt Lake to Provo has now been approved by the Federal Rail Administration to be a quiet zone. Under the quiet zone status, UTA, Amtrak and Union Pacific trains no longer have to sound their horn when approaching a crossing.
Chelsi Browne lives along the UTA tracks in Lehi and says she's glad the trains are going to be silencing their horns.
"It's harsh,” said Browne. “It's really loud. When we're standing out here we all have to cover our ears because they start blowing it clear down there and they don't stop till their clear passed."
Even though there will be no more horn blowing UTA officials say the tracks are actually safer than they've ever been in the past.
To ensure pedestrian safety fences that force pedestrians to walk around in a zigzag pattern before crossing the tracks have been put into place, as well as concrete medians to prevent people from going around the crossing arms, blinking lights and bells that sound when the arms are in use.
UTA Spokesperson Gerry Carpenter said, "As the gates come down there will be flashing lights, loud bells but these are directional. A horn is not directional it can be heard from miles around."
UTA is holding a public ride day for the new FrontRunner South line Saturday, December 8th. If you would like to ride for free from Salt Lake City to Provo all you have to do is bring a non-perishable food item. The train will run from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.
