After frequent complaints from residents of Schenectady and Montgomery Counties about an increase in excessive noise from train horns, Assemblyman Angelo Santabarbara, a civil engineer, has written a letter to the United States Department of Transportation seeking an engineering solution to mitigating the excessive noise at railroad crossings.

Specifically, Santabarbara is calling on the Department of Transportation to reduce train horn noise, especially during nighttime hours, using the Train Horn Rule (49 CFR Part 222) which provides opportunities for localities to mitigate the effects of excessive train horn noise by establishing “new quiet zones” where railroads can be directed to cease the routine sounding of their horns when approaching highway-rail grade crossings. To create these quiet zones, enhanced safety measures must be put in place to prevent vehicles illegally entering crossings while trains are approaching.

“The increase in train noise over the past few years has reduced the quality of life here in Rotterdam neighborhoods that are near railroad crossings, and other communities in my assembly district. Many constituents have reached out to our office to complain about this excessive noise. I’m seeking help from Department of Transportation on the process of establishing these new “quiet zones” and guidance on necessary safety measures that would be required,” said Santabarbara.

“The people of Schenectady and Montgomery counties who have been affected by this increased noise have had their quality of life negatively impacted, and I’m hopeful all levels of government can work together to address this issue.”

Assemblyman Santabarbara’s office has received complaints from residents in the Village of Fort Plain and the Town of Rotterdam about excessive noise from trains. If any constituents would like to share their concerns about train noise with the Assemblyman, they can reach out to his office at 518-382-2941 or santabarbaraa@nyassembly.gov.

Please click here to view the letter.