The city of Cullman announced recent railroad crossing upgrades have allowed for the implementation of a “quiet zone corridor,” to reduce the amount of train horn noise through the downtown area beginning Monday, Sept. 16.
In partnership with CSX, the city completed the installation of a four-quadrant gate barrier at the Arnold Street crossing, near the downtown Warehouse District, in July.
The new safety system includes swinging gate arms for all four traffic quadrants at the crossing, creating a physical barrier that, when activated, prevents vehicles in each gated lane from entering the crossing and potentially colliding with a moving train. The city noted that the gate upgrade also features the implementation of constant warning time technology, which automatically recognizes the approach of a nearby rail vehicle and activates the gates for closure.
The city mentioned last year that several residents had voiced complaints regarding the amount of disruption train horns created at the Arnold Street crossing during the annual Oktoberfest, held in the nearby Depot Park and the surrounding area.
On Friday, Sept. 13, three weeks ahead of this year’s festival, the city announced trains would no longer be required to sound their horns at the crossings of Arnold Street, 9th Street SE or 8th Street NE.
“This project represents a significant investment in our downtown area,” Mayor Wood Jacobs said in a press release sent to The Times. “We’re excited to provide a quieter environment for our residents and businesses while simultaneously enhancing safety at these crossings.”
Train operators will retain the ability to use horns at their discretion if they perceive potential dangers.