Petition for the Establishment of Train Horn Quiet Zones in Needham

The State of Massachusetts currently has 29 Quiet Zones: Wilmington, Hingham, Norfolk, Wakefield, Waltham, Concord, Wenham, Revere, Rowley, Beverly, Hamilton, Ipswich, Somerville, Andover, Belmont, Melrose, Beverly, Weston, Gloucester, Ayer, Medford, Lincoln, Beverly, Manchester, Beverly, Beverly, Chelsea, Acton, and Reading.

We are Needham citizens living within a train horn ‘blast zone.’ Many of us have been here for 20+ years. Others are more recent migrants, drawn to this vibrant and beautiful community. Together, we are committed to a peaceful, safe, and healthy co-existence among trains.

We have come to understand that the constant exposure to high decibel train horns puts ourselves and our families at risk for long-term physical, mental, and emotional health issues.

We believe the establishment of quiet zones in our community will greatly improve quality of life for the many citizens within the blast zone while keeping all citizens safe at nearby crossings.

A Quiet Zone is defined as “a segment of a rail line within one or a number of consecutive public highway-rail (roadway) grade crossings at which locomotive horns are not routinely sounded.” To establish a Quiet Zone, cities must implement Supplemental Safety Measures (SSMs) to ensure the continued safety of the crossings in question. SSMs include additional gates, medians, curbs, lights, signals, road markings, and other upgrades.

If you live within a Needham “blast zone” and would like the Town Government as well as US Department of Transportation’s Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) to implement a Quiet Zone in your area, or simply wish to support those who do, please sign this petition.

Thank you!