On Tuesday, August 27, 2024, at 12:01 pm, the City of Duluth, in cooperation with Norfolk Southern Railway and the Federal Railroad Administration, established a “Quiet Zone” also called a “Reduced Whistle Zone” in downtown. This means you will not regularly hear trains blowing their horns anymore at Brock Road, SR 120, or Davenport Road. There are circumstances and emergencies under which the horn will sound, but we hope those are few and far between. Look for more information in your next edition of Duluth Life magazine, and in the meantime, be sure to approach all RR Xings with caution and awareness.  Our crossings will still have flashing lights, signs, pavement markings, and gates. They are also now equipped with additional safety measures. The only thing that will no longer be there (on a regular basis) is the sound of the train horn.  24/7/365. 

For those who live and work in or near downtown, this may be a welcomed relief.  For those who love the train horn, fear not – the Southeast Railway Museum RR Xing is not part of the quiet one, and trains will still sound their horn as they approach. You can visit the museum Thursdays through Saturdays 10a-5p and on Sundays from noon until 5pm. They are located at 3595 Buford Highway (Duluth). Should you have any questions about the quiet zone, please reach out to our Community Development and Engineering Department at 770-476-1790. 

PSA – Travel safely, and NEVER stop on the railroad track. If you are ever stopped on the track and a train is approaching simply pull forward (or backward). The gates are breakaway and will let your vehicle pass. If you are stuck, get out of your vehicle and move away from the collision site. Your vehicle is replaceable. You are not.