Throughout the LIRR Expansion Project, 3TC has been devoted to notifying community members about important project-related information. This includes details about train horns that residents may hear throughout the day and evening, which are attributed to various protocols set forth by the Federal Railroad Administration to ensure passenger, resident and worker safety.
Strengthening the reliability and safety of the LIRR, while at the same time providing quieter, more livable communities along the railroad has been a priority since our work began. The elimination of all eight at-grade crossings is a perfect example of this commitment, which already has reduced noisy traffic backups and routine horns as trains approach those locations.
Our remaining work is on an active commuter railway, and as a result some horns will be required if the situation applies to any of the below safety rules and regulations:
Train Horn General Rules and Guidelines
- Given the 24/7 nature of the railroad, some horn noise is expected. Horns are a vital and necessary tool to ensure safety, including protecting community members, workers, and even animals.
- Horns may sound due to active work on the railway, arrival to train stations, passengers near platforms or animals on the tracks. A more urgent sounding horn may mean the locomotive engineer is attempting to relay an important warning.
- Federal Railroad Administration regulations mandate the volume of train horns fall within a range of 96 to 110 decibels as measured 100 feet in front of the train. All LIRR train horns are inspected and tested regularly to ensure appropriate volume is used.
Horn Rules for Construction
- The Federal Railroad Administration mandates horn use to protect track workers who are performing work along the right-of-way.
- To confirm worker and pedestrian safety, locomotive engineers do not have the option to avoid sounding horns when individuals are performing repairs or maintenance projects on or near the tracks.
As always, we are grateful for the continued support, patience and cooperation from our community leaders and residents while 3TC works to complete this historic project. A main goal of the LIRR Expansion Project is to reduce noise, including horns, to establish safer, quieter neighborhoods. Once our work is finished residents should be aware that train horns will continue to sound for the aforementioned safety and track work, including maintenance and other repairs.
Video Channel
Video Channel