Mayor Robert J. Lovero
Work 708-788-2660 ext. 3201
Fax 708-788-2567
rlovero@ci.berwyn.il.us

 

 

 

“Quiet Zone” along railroad tracks finally a reality


click the photo to for a larger image

After many years of trying to attain peace and quiet for the residents living along the railroad tracks of the Canadian National Railway, the much sought-after “Quiet Zone” finally has been officially designated by federal, state and local authorities.

For as long as can be remembered, train horns and whistles have disturbed and awakened residents at all hours of the day and night.  Now, through the efforts of the local municipal administrations of North Riverside, Riverside and Berwyn, plus the persistent work of U.S. Congressman Dan Lipinski (3rd Cong. Dist.), the problem appears to have been solved.

An official “Quiet Zone” has been established along the entire railroad right-of-way passing through the three suburbs.  Train engineers are now instructed that they do not have to blow train horns or whistles as they travel through Berwyn, North Riverside and Riverside.  Engineers still have the option to blow horns in cases deemed emergencies, however they no longer will be blowing horns simply because they are approaching vehicular crossings, as they have in the past.

Improvements to each of the vehicular railroad crossings enabled the new regulation to be enacted.  All three suburbs have installed median strips on the roads at each railroad crossing.  Those median strips are now a deterrent to motorists who might otherwise consider driving their vehicles around railroad crossing gates when they are in the “down” position to block traffic.  The possibility of motorists taking the chance of going around crossing gates was a major stumbling block that prevented federal and state authorities from enacting a “Quiet Zone” in the past.

Our thanks to Congressman Lipinski and the municipal leaders in Riverside and North Riverside for their fine cooperation with our new administration in Berwyn to accomplish the enactment of the “Quiet Zone.”  We’re pleased that our residents have gained a little more peace and quiet, and we promise to continue our efforts at improving conditions along all the railroad tracks passing through Berwyn.      

                                                                    
Respectfully,


Robert J. Lovero, Mayor