Quiet Zone Plan In The Works For Trains In Downtown OKC

A plan to silence train horns in downtown Oklahoma City is still on track.

City leaders announced plans for its "quiet zone" about a month ago. The zone will stretch all the way from NE 16th St. down to SW 23rd St. Train conductors will not blow a train horn along the stretch unless there is a danger on the tracks.

Railroad crossings at Park Place, NE 11th St., NE 12th St., and NE 14th St., and SE 23rd will be permanently closed under the current plan. As many as 6 crossings will see improvements, such as, street medians, and additional crossing guards.

The city says some of the changes are aimed at stopping people from trying to beat the train across the tracks. The project will cost around $3.9 million, with $500,000 coming from private donations.

"There are still many steps that have to be taken," said Eric Wenger, OKC Director of Public Works.

Wenger says the plan still needs to be approved by the Federal Railroad Association.

"I think it's a good thing for the community," said Earl Neighbors.

Neighbors owns several businesses along the tracks of NW 9th and donated money to make the project a reality.

Oklahoma City hopes to have the project completed by November of 2015.