'Quiet zones' set up in local neighborhoods

(7/11/06 - KTRK/HOUSTON) (KTRK) -- Neighbors along miles of local railroad tracks say they'll soon sleep better at night.

On Tuesday, Mayor Bill White signed a federal declaration, making fourteen railroad crossings from Memorial to Willowbend 'quiet zones.' Train conductors won't have to sound their horns due to increased safety measures at the crossings.

Those who live nearby say it will significantly improve their quality of life.

"Now, we're up to over 35 a day and when that's a train during the night hours between midnight and 6am every twenty or thirty minutes, it becomes a real issue," said Kristin Palmer, who lives near the tracks.

The quiet zones will take effect on August 1 and cross into West University and Bellaire. Houston is one of the first cities in the nation to implement this federal program.
(Copyright © 2006, KTRK-TV)

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