MELBOURNE, Fla. – The city of Melbourne said it has taken steps to communicate with railroad officials amid concerns that Brightline’s warning horns are too loud.
Officials with the city said that in areas where the 18 intersections are closer together, the warning horns appear to be more continuous. The city is considering applying for “quiet zones.”
One week ago, Brightline announced it was increasing its routes between Orlando and Miami to 32 trains daily.
In a letter to commissioners, city staff requested official support from the board to continue in the application process for a “quiet zone.”
The letter acknowledges that loud horns are required by federal safety laws and that Brightline is merely complying with those requirements.
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Several of these zones have been created in Orange, Osceola and Seminole counties near Sunrail lines. Multiple pending “quiet zones” are currently in the works near Kissimmee.
According to Sunrail, quiet zones are regulated by the Federal Railroad Administration, and any added safety features would need to be financed by the local government.
After receiving numerous complaints, Melbourne said it has made initial contact with the Space Coast Transportation Planning Organization and the Federal Railroad Administration.
At this point, the city would only be working on an application process, with the final decision likely coming from the federal government.
On Monday, Brightline said it has spent several million dollars helping to improve security features at about 50 railroad crossings in Brevard County. Brightline also said safety is its top priority.
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