Whistle-reduction projects to pave way for quieter train traffic

Feb. 5, 2026

The sound of train horns could be on its way to becoming a thing of the past in downtown Sioux Falls.

Multiple construction projects this coming season are scheduled that will allow the city of Sioux Falls to request that BNSF Railway certify the area as a permitted quiet zone — designated sections of track where train engineers are not required to routinely sound horns at public crossings.

“There’s been extensive design working with BN to accomplish all that needs to be accomplished in those areas,” city director of public works Mark Cotter said.

The city already has prepared the intersection of Sixth Street and Weber Avenue with things like a median, gate systems, advanced “eyes” and a “very pedestrian-centric” design, Cotter said.

Now, work moves to Third Street and Weber and to Eighth Street and Weber. The plan is for the city to do concrete street work at both locations this summer to allow BNSF to install its equipment this fall.

“The length of track without a crossing has to be at a mile, and doing these three helps us certify an entire mile of track,” Cotter said. “Improvements to the crossings make them safer for vehicles and pedestrians. If you look at the crossing with the flare-outs on Sixth Street, there’s much better visibility and room for pedestrians.”

The upgrades “become a natural progression for successful downtowns as more people live and work (nearby),” he added. “Pedestrian counts improve, and it becomes (about) safety.”

The so-called quiet zone has been a long-standing request of the downtown community, said Jeff Eckhoff, the city’s director of planning and development services.

“Anytime we’ve been approached about a downtown development near the tracks, whether local or out of town, we’ve been asked about quiet zones,” he said. “It’s been a factor in the development process for a long time. And it is an important piece, not only for businesses but as we increase activity, absolutely there’s a safety purpose.”

It likely will improve driver efficiency, he added.

“I often take Sixth Street, and when I’m four blocks away, I can see the signals and know there’s a train coming, so I can detour and use the viaducts,” he added. “It helps you understand there’s a train coming.”

Developer Jeff Scherschligt of Pendar Properties sees a significant improvement for his Cherapa Place development between Sixth and Eighth streets.

“The train traffic is pretty tough, but it’s really not that bothersome except for those whistles,” he said. “Our tenants have been understanding because we knew it was coming, but it will be a nice relief for this area. It’s a really good move and something that has needed to be done.”

He also has noticed a significant increase in pedestrian traffic and anticipates more as the weather warms up with new additions to the development such as Pomegranate Market, which is along Sixth Street.

“There’s much more of an increase in pedestrian traffic, and it’s just going to keep getting busier,” Scherschligt said. “Pomegranate Market is the kind of store that brings people on a more regular basis.”

The city is aiming to have the area certified as a quiet zone by early in 2027.

While the area won’t regularly hear horns once the quiet zone is implemented, using it is still at a train engineer’s discretion.

“If a train engineer sees a pedestrian, they can still pull the horn,” Cotter said. “They’re still going to use them if they feel it’s warranted.”

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