Quiet zones reinstated in Woods Cross and North Salt Lake — What to know

WOODS CROSS, Utah (ABC4) — The Federal Rail Administration has given approval for quiet zones to be reinstated in Woods Cross and other locations across the Wasatch Front.

According to a press release by the Salt Lake City Government, SLC and North Salt Lake received a formal notice on Mar. 18 of the administration’s approval for reinstatement after both cities had submitted petitions.

“We are grateful for our team that has kept this reinstatement a priority over the last few months and the public participation and collaboration with public and elected officials,” said Mark Stephens, an engineer from Salt Lake City. “From the local to the federal levels, they were crucial to accomplish this.” 

The reinstatement comes after months of back and forth due to several crossings not meeting “FRA quiet standards.” Due to this, full reinstatement of the quiet zones is contingent on two crossing up to FRA standards.

The two crossings are at 1000 West between South Temple and 15th south, and Main Street in North Salt Lake. SLC has released plans to close 1000 West crossing on Mar. 27 to construct a signal gate to bring it to the standard the FRA requires.

“Construction of the new signal mast and gate arms required to bring this rail crossing into Quiet Zone compliance will begin in the fall of 2025,” SLC’s press release reads. “Residents and businesses should plan to detour around this closure while it is in place.”

The gate project is expected to take less than a year to complete, and the waiver will remain in place and can be extended if issues arise. Trains have seven days to begin silencing their horns to be in compliance with the quiet zone approval.