Newark Railroad Quiet Zone Project Advances in Design, but Train Horn Rules Have Not Changed

NEWARK, California — The City of Newark is progressing with designs for railroad crossing improvements that could eventually reduce routine train-horn noise, but the project has not yet established an operating quiet zone.

Which crossings are involved?

The city’s Capital Projects tracker lists Jarvis Avenue, Haley Street, Mayhews Landing Road, Thornton Avenue, Carter Avenue, Cedar Boulevard, Cherry Street and Sycamore Street as part of its railroad quiet zone work. City Council has also directed staff to include Central Avenue.

What is the current project stage?

According to the city, conceptual plans were submitted to Union Pacific Railroad in December 2025, with further diagnostics for Central Avenue completed in spring 2026. The city says final design and documentation remain in process. Construction agreements, required crossing approvals, construction itself and formal quiet zone designation are still listed without firm dates.

The overall program’s estimated cost is approximately $10 million, and the city describes several potential state and regional funding sources. Because project cost and future funding allocations can change, this figure should not be mistaken for a final construction contract.

What would a quiet zone mean?

Under federal train-horn rules, a properly established quiet zone generally allows trains not to sound routine warning horns at qualifying crossings. But California Public Utilities Commission guidance makes clear that safety improvements and formal procedures come first. Train crews can still sound horns in emergencies or when safety demands.

Residents should not assume that horns have already been discontinued. For updates, the city lists engineer Miki Tsubota at miki.tsubota@newarkca.gov or 510-518-5344.

Sources: City of Newark, Capital Projects — Quiet Zones; California Public Utilities Commission quiet zone guidance. Reviewed October 31, 2026.

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