A railroad crossing sign says "No Train Horn" near the Ironwood Road crossing for the Grand Trunk Western Railroad Monday, July 24, 2017, in South Bend. Trains conductors began blowing horns at crossings in eastern South Bend on Saturday amid safety concerns. Tribune Photo/ROBERT FRANKLIN
SOUTH BEND — The city is closing six alleyways and streets beginning today to comply with federal safety rules in a move that could keep train whistles from blowing along the Norfolk Southern railroad tracks on the city’s east side.
The Street Department said in a news release that crews will barricade areas near crossings at Leer Street, Twyckenham Drive and Robinson Street on suggestion from the Federal Railroad Administration. The areas to be blocked include roadways near the crossings:
• Leer Street: Prinz Court on the east and west sides; Haney Avenue on the west side.
• Twyckenham Drive: Delbert Court on the east side; Dubail on the west side.
• Robinson Street: Commercial Drive to the southeast.
The closures are expected to bring the city into compliance with “quiet zones” set forth by the FRA. All intersections within 60 feet of the three crossings had to be closed in order to be deemed safe by federal standards.
Last month, trains began using their whistles after the railway learned of several crossings that did not meet FRA safety standards. The city has been a certified quiet zone since 2007, but several areas were brought to the attention of federal authorities in June.
The city began discussing the matter after trains began using their whistles in late July on the city’s east side.
Copyright © 2024, South Bend Tribune