Quiet Zones

An increasing concern for Newark residents is the noise generated by trains at the City’s railroad crossings, particularly the disruption resulting from nighttime freight train traffic.  The Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) has specific rules regarding the required sounding of train horns at all at-grade street crossings.  However, there are provisions that allow for local jurisdictions to establish “quiet zones” with alternative safety improvements where train horns would no longer be required to be routinely sounded.   

The City of Newark is currently pursuing the potential installation of quiet zones for most of the active public at-grade crossings in the City.  The City Council recently received a Quiet Zone Feasibility Study and accompanying Presentation that identified the potential for quiet zones through the two primary railroad corridors in Newark, including:

• The Coast Subdivision line from Jarvis Avenue to Central Avenue.  Quiet zone improvements are recommended at the Jarvis Avenue, Haley Street, Mayhews Landing Road, Thornton Avenue and Carter Avenue crossings.
• The Niles Subdivision line from Cedar Boulevard to Sycamore Street.  Quiet zone improvements are recommended at the Cedar Boulevard, Cherry Street and Sycamore Street crossings.

In addition to these locations, the City is planning the construction of a full grade separation structure at the Central Avenue railroad crossing, tentatively scheduled to be completed in 2025.  

California Assemblymember Alex Lee recently announced that $2 Million in State funding has been secured through AB179 for the implementation of quiet zones in the City of Newark!  The City is also currently pursuing additional funding opportunities for quiet zones at the Federal level.  The next step is to complete the design process for these quiet zones.  Please check this page in the near future for additional updates.