Quiet zones planned along Provo train routes

PROVO — Coming soon to some Provo neighborhoods — quiet. Or at least a respite from train horns that honk day and night.

City officials and the Utah Transit Authority are fast-tracking an application to establish "quiet zones" through residential areas near the tracks.

Federal law requires trains to honk when approaching intersections for safety reasons if no other safety measures — flashing lights or rails — are in place.

With commuter rail plans expected to increase train traffic and noise at all hours over the next few years, UTA officials decided to pursue quiet zones and began building the needed safety infrastructures.

Officials say if the application is approved by state and federal authorities, the first four quiet zones should be in place by early next year.