Quiet zones set for August 1

Mayor Bill White signed a federal declaration today that made fourteen railroad crossings along the Union Pacific line designated Quiet Zones.

The declaration, which is scheduled to go into effect on the first of August, will affect Houstonians from Memorial Drive to Willowbend Blvd., who often hear at least thirty-five different trains blaring horns night and day. According to KTRK, those who live near the train - primarily in West University and Bellaire - will have significantly improved qualities of life (those mcmansion windows rattle alot!).

Houston can be credited as one of the first in the U.S. to put a program like this into effect. The city has also implemented safety barriers at a few major crossings, which intend to inhibit vehicles from driving between lowered railroad crossing arms. The barriers, unfortunately, are no match for the vehicles, as many have already been butchered by careless cars.

Photo: Brian Scott Photography