Rocklin has established a railroad crossing Quiet Zone working with the US Department of Transportation, the Federal Railroad Administration’s “Train Horn Rule.”  The City also worked closely with the California Public Utilities Commission, the Union Pacific Railroad, and Amtrak to ensure adherence to the federal regulation.  

After reading the information below, if you still believe you have heard a possible violation, please Report Possible Quiet Zone Violations.

Quiet Zone Information

The name Quiet Zone means that train crews will not regularly blow the horn as a warning of the train’s approach to the crossings. Quiet Zones are not necessarily quiet. There are numerous reasons you may hear a train horn. 

1. While traveling through the Quiet Zone crossings, the engineer may sound the horn for any of the following reasons:

• The train crew is aware the crossing warning devices (lights, bells and gates) are malfunctioning.
• The warning devices are out-of-service for repair, testing, or maintenance. 
• Railroad or contract employees are working on or near the tracks.
• The train crew may sound a warning to animals, vehicle operators, pedestrians, trespassers, crews on other trains, or in the engineer’s sole judgment such action is appropriate in order to prevent imminent injury, death, or property damage.

2. The Quiet Zone does not affect train horn use within, entering or leaving the Depot.

• Train crews may sound the horn upon arrival at the station.
• The horn may sound while trains, freight and passenger trains, are passing through the station.
• They will sound the horn upon departing the station to alert anyone near the train it is going to move.
• Amtrak mechanical staff will sound the horn for regular scheduled maintenance on locomotives.

3. The Quiet Zone does not limit the use of locomotive bells that ring as the train goes through the crossing. These bells are an additional safety measure. Also, in a Quiet Zone, each public crossing must be equipped with functioning flashing lights, ringing bells, and gates that lower to temporarily close the road. Again, Federal law requires that these crossings warning devices are working as intended.

Quiet Zone Information Sheet

Quiet Zone Brochure

Quiet Zones in Rocklin

Rocklin has installed median barriers at both approaches at each of the Quiet Zone crossings.  These barriers were added as an additional safety improvement to deny vehicle drivers from circumventing the lowered gates before the train enters the crossing.  

Although Rocklin did not need to install these barriers at each crossing to qualify for the Quiet Zone, our commitment to your safety is very important.

It is important to obey all signs and signals at crossings.  Remember railroad property is private property and trespassing is illegal.

The Quiet Zone is in effect 24/7 and is in place for the following public crossings: Farron Street, Rocklin Road, East Midas Avenue, Americana Way, and Delmar Avenue.

Other Links

Operation Lifesaver 
Operation Lifesaver is a nonprofit volunteer organization dedicated to educating the public about train and railroad safety and reducing railroad related incidents. The Operation Lifesaver website includes educational resources.

Federal Railroad Administration – The Train Horn Rule and Quiet Zones 

Federal Railroad Administration – Highway Rail Grade Crossing & Trespass Prevention

California Public Utilities Commission – Rail Safety

Federal Railroad Administration Alleged Violation Reporting Form