RR Quiet Zone
Quiet Zone Update - March, 2026
The Village is moving forward with the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) to formally request establishment of the Quiet Zone. This process involves several required applications, safety reviews, coordination with the railroad, and installation of specific signage and safety measures. Quiet Zones are regulated at the federal level, and the approval process is detailed and technical to ensure all required safety standards are met before train horn sounding can be discontinued. The entire process can take up to a year or more to complete, depending on regulatory reviews, coordination with agencies, and installation of required safety features.
As part of the Quiet Zone process, additional safety measures are required at the crossing. These typically include enhanced signage, pavement markings, upgraded signal coordination, and supplemental safety features designed to reduce the risk of vehicles going around lowered gates. From recent meetings with the FRA, staff is moving forward with the notices, applications, and CAD drawings.
Previously, the Village had been working with Brightline and FDOT on additional safety enhancements for the crossing, including exit gates and related signal improvements. Unfortunately, those Phase II enhancements did not move forward. Brightline withdrew from participating in that portion of the project, and related funding and coordination efforts with FDOT were ultimately discontinued. As a result, the Village has had to reassess the path forward and continue pursuing the Quiet Zone through the FRA-required process and available safety improvements.
While the process is complex and involves multiple agencies, we are actively working through the required steps and will continue coordinating with the railroad and federal regulators to move the Quiet Zone request forward. We appreciate your patience and will continue to provide updates as we reach key milestones.
Quiet Zone Update - Council to Apply for 24 Hour Quiet Zone
Council voted unanimously during the March 14, 2024 council meeting to apply for a 24 hour “Quiet Zone” at the Tequesta Drive Railroad Crossing. A mechanism was established whereby localities could meet certain safety requirements to potentially be designate as a “quiet zone”. Upon satisfying the regulation’s technical requirements, train horns would not be routinely sounded within this quiet zone. It is important to note, that train horns may still be used in emergencies or to comply with other Federal regulations or railroad operating rules.
For more information please contact the Public Works Department at 561-768-0483.
We will add updates here as they become available.
| 3/14/24 Agenda Item Backup |