Montclair Township’s Quiet Zone went into effect on Mon., Jan. 31, 2011. Trains will no longer blow their horns at each of our 12 grade crossings, except in cases of emergency.

While many look forward to the advantages of the Quiet Zone, we must be alert to the safety implications that result from any change in the routines to which we’ve become accustomed.

We want to take this opportunity to remind you of these important, common-sense train safety tips:

• Do not walk on the railroad tracks. In addition to being an unsafe practice, walking on the tracks in Montclair is a violation for which you may be ticketed up to $1000, or even imprisoned.
  
• Do not drive or walk around gates that are in the down position.
  Depending on the direction of the train, its speed, its distance from the station, or whether or not a train is approaching from the other direction, gates may stay down for longer intervals than expected. Never assume that gates in the down position are malfunctioning.
  
• Never stop your vehicle on the train tracks. Wait until traffic allows you to drive clear of the grade crossing before proceeding.

Background

In order to qualify for the Quiet Zone, the Township was required to equip certain grade crossings with additional safety measures. Safety improvements were made at six of the twelve grade crossings: construction of raised medians at Normal Avenue, Mount Hebron Road and Glenridge Avenue crossings; changing Laurel Place from two-way to one-way vehicular travel; and installation of four-quadrant gates at both the Bellevue Avenue and Grove Street crossings. However, no additional safety measures were made at the remaining grade crossings.

For more information, refer to, “Montclair’s Quiet Zone – Frequently Asked Questions” on the township’s website.