FLAGSTAFF, AZ - On March 2, City of Flagstaff officials joined members of the community to celebrate the establishment of the long awaited train horn Quiet Zone throughout Flagstaff and to commemorate the sounding of the "Last Train Horn."
"This is a long-awaited and historic moment for our community," said City Manager Kevin Burke. "We are pleased that the citizens who have an interest or played a role in the creation of the quiet zone were able to join us to recognize the years of work that have lead up to this day and celebrate a quiet, but safe, Flagstaff."
Train horn changes in Flagstaff include: Wayside Horns at the Fanning and Steves intersections and Quiet Zones with gates, lights and signage at the Enterprise, San Francisco and Beaver Street intersections.
Following approvals from the Arizona Corporation Commission, the Federal Railroad Administration and Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railroad, the City’s contractor, Vastco, has been working on completing the project since January.
Because of the critical importance of safety, City staff met with BNSF to adopt the Operation Lifesaver Program. On January 19, a dozen people were trained to help educate the community about railroad safety, around the message: "The horns are gone – but the trains are not: Look Listen Live."
The trainers, who are from Northern Arizona Intergovernmental Public Transit Association, Northern Arizona University, Flagstaff Unified School District, BNSF, Grand Canyon Railroad and the City of Flagstaff are available to educate businesses, tourists, students and residents about safe practices around the railroad tracks.
For more information contact Kimberly Ott, City of Flagstaff Public Information Officer at 928-779-7603 or via email at kott@flagstaffaz.gov. Information on presentations can be obtained from Randy Whitaker at 928-226-4844.
