Rail News: Communication and Signal
Quiet zone coming to Nebraska city; Upgraded crossing on tap for Michigan town

Earlier this month, Grand Island, Neb., began a quiet zone project in the downtown area.

The project calls for improving four Union Pacific Railroad grade crossings so trains no longer need to sound horns when approaching the intersections. Work includes constructing concrete medians and curbs, installing a wayside horn system and closing one crossing.

Diamond Engineering Co. obtained a $247,718 contract from the city to perform quiet zone work. Concrete work is under way; wayside horn equipment will be installed in spring 2012.

Meanwhile, the Michigan Department of Transportation is beginning to upgrade a crossing near Grayling. To be completed next month, the project calls for reconstructing the crossing and installing warning devices, including LED lenses.