The City of Tempe, in conjunction with the Arizona Corporation Commission, Union Pacific Railroad and Federal Railroad Administration, have established a railroad Quiet Zone in Tempe. The Quiet Zone includes the portion of the Union Pacific Railroad north of Broadway Road from city limit to city limit.

A Quiet Zone is a rail corridor at least one-half mile in length with one or more public highway-rail crossings where activation of train horns is prohibited except in certain situations. These exceptions are usually related to safety concerns such as pedestrians, bicyclists or motorists in too close proximity to the tracks.

“The creation of the Quiet Zone positively impacts dozens of our vibrant, well-established neighborhoods. Tempe takes the safety of our residents very seriously and pursued the best possible solution for balancing safety while reducing train horn noise,” said Tempe Mayor Hugh Hallman. “The Quiet Zone will enhance the quality of life for our residents while maintaining the safety of pedestrians, bicyclists and motorists who are travelling near the railroad tracks.”

Below are tips for staying safe around trains and tracks.
• You must stop when signals begin to flash. Do not proceed until the lights stop flashing.
• Always expect a train. Trains can run on any track, at any time, in either direction. Look both ways before crossing any track and always observe warning signals.
• Before you cross, be sure there is room on the other side to completely clear the tracks. Trains overhang the tracks by at least three feet on each side.
• If your vehicle stalls at a crossing, get everyone out and far away immediately, even if you do not see a train.
• Don’t be tempted to try to beat a train. An approaching train may be closer and traveling faster than it appears.

Quiet Zones are established in cities around the country including Chandler, Phoenix and Flagstaff. They allow for less noise pollution while still providing options to maintain safety standards along a rail corridor.

The Northern Tempe Quiet Zone will be evaluated for its effectiveness and any expansion of the Quiet Zone in Central/South Tempe would require a separate process.

For more information, visit www.tempe.gov/tim or call 480-350-4311.