Railroad Quiet Zones

The Wyoming Department of Transportation will cooperate with the development of quiet-zone projects funded by local governments that include roads under the jurisdiction of the state, provided the proposed quiet zone would conform with the requirements of 49 CFR Part 222.

WYDOT recognizes that train horn noise is a significant issue for many Wyoming communities, and will strive to promote a balance between public safety and quality of life. WYDOT believes that each community shall determine on its own accord whether or not quiet-zone treatments are in the best interest of public safety.

In 2009, WYDOT awarded a comprehensive Wyoming Quiet Zone Study that shows relative need for railroad quiet zones by community, outlines general community and statewide costs for railroad quiet zones, and establishes a priority ranking formula by community and or/corridor for the implementation of quiet zones.
 
The consultant, RL Banks and Associates, provided field assessments of quiet-zone options for at-grade public crossings in Wyoming in or near municipalities with populations of 100 or higher with train counts greater than two per day. This list consisted of 84 public crossings in or near 34 rail-served incorporated Wyoming communities. The consultant also developed a priority-ranking formula for the implementation of quiet zones in these communities.
 
The Phase 1 and Phase 2 Quiet Zone studies are available in PDF format below.

For additional information, please refer to the Federal Railroad Administration's Web site on Railroad Quiet Zones.