The routine sounding of train horns ceased in Michigan City on Oct. 7.
Michigan City’s application to the Federal Railroad Administration for a quiet zone was approved in September.
The quiet zone designation spares residents from train horn blasts. The horns are required ahead of each railroad crossing for South Shore Line trains and Chicago, South Shore & South Bend Railroad’s freight trains operating on the Northern Indiana Commuter Transportation District-owned tracks through Michigan City.
“We want to keep all drivers, pedestrians, and passengers safe on our trains and around our tracks, while also being respectful of the communities we serve,” said Nicole Barker, South Shore Line director of capital investment and implementation, in a press release.
With the Double Track Northwest Indiana Project nearing completion, safety improvements have been made to Michigan City’s railroad crossings. As part of the Double Track project, 20 crossings were permanently closed. All remaining crossings are now equipped with gates, bells and flashers to protect vehicular, pedestrian and train traffic.
“We are pleased to finally have the approval for the quiet zone,” Michigan City Mayor Angie Nelson Deuitch said. “I think the enhanced safety mechanisms are important for both our residents and our visitors as we complete the train station and the Double Track project. We want to become more pedestrian-friendly and bicycle-friendly, and this is just another step in helping us to do that.”
Train horns may still be used in emergencies, to comply with other regulations or at the engineer’s discretion. The quiet zone applies to NICTD-owned tracks in Michigan City, not tracks owned by other railroads.
The following are the approved quiet zone streets in Michigan City:
- N. Carroll Avenue
- Pleasant Avenue
- N. Woodland Avenue
- Grace Street
- School Street
- Vail Street
- Michigan Boulevard
- Phillips Street
- Maple Street
- Oak Street
- York Street
- Lafayette Street
- Cedar Street
- Spring Street
- Pine Street
- Franklin Street
- Washington Street
- Wabash Street
- Buffalo Street
- Manhattan Street
- Elston Street
- Ohio Street
- Tennessee Street
- 11th Street
- Kentucky Street
- Chicago Street
- W. 10th Street
- Claire Street
- Willard Avenue
- Donnelly Street
- Grant Avenue
- Carlon Court
- Douglas Avenue
- Seymour Street
- Hancock Avenue
- Greeley Avenue
- Hayes Avenue
- Sheridan Avenue
“The Double Track Northwest Indiana project spanning from Gary to Michigan City is nearly complete as Flaherty & Collins continues work on the 11th Street Station and Parking Structure, currently scheduled for completion in February 2025,” Michael Noland, South Shore Line president, said. “We are thrilled to deliver this exciting project to Michigan City.”
