From Trains to Planes, LB is Reducing Noise
The Long Beach City Council is considering establishing train horn “quiet zones” in North and West Long Beach to reduce noise pollution from train horns.
The Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) mandates that train operators sound their horns for 15 to 20 seconds before approaching public grade crossings or when pedestrians are on the tracks.
This rule, known as the “Train Horn Rule,” aims to prevent accidents by alerting drivers and pedestrians of an approaching train. The FRA regulations, however, allow for exceptions to this rule by establishing “quiet zones.”
Quiet zones are sections of a rail line, at least half a mile long, where train horns are not routinely sounded. Instead of relying solely on train horns, quiet zones depend on alternative safety measures to mitigate the risk of train-vehicle collisions.
These measures include upgraded flashing lights and gates at crossings and new signage. In some cases, if the existing safety measures already meet the required standards, a city might be eligible for automatic approval of a quiet zone.
Long Beach’s proposed quiet zone would be a “partial quiet zone,” meaning train horns would only be silenced between 10 p.m. and 7 a.m., similar to the noise ordinance already in place at Long Beach Airport. This decision is based on the observation that noise travels further at night.
The proposed quiet zone would cover two public at-grade crossings: one at E. Market Street and Candlewood Street are in North Long Beach; the other is at W. Wardlow Road in West Long Beach.
According to the FRA, trains sounding their horns from 100 feet away can produce a volume between 95 and 115 decibels.
“By investing in this study, we invest in the well-being of our community, and we will engage with state and federal partners to explore funding opportunities for this project,” said Councilmember Al Austin during the meeting.
The City of Long Beach would need to work closely with Union Pacific, the state transportation agency, and the FRA to conduct a thorough safety evaluation at each crossing within the proposed quiet zone. This evaluation would assess the risk of train-vehicle collisions.
Exceptions to the “no horn” rule exist, even within a designated quiet zone. In emergencies, such as people on the tracks, train conductors are obligated to sound the horn as a safety precaution.
Any potential risks behind quiet zones can be mitigated by carefully evaluating safety measures, upgrading infrastructure, and collaborating effectively with all stakeholders.
Many cities across California have successfully implemented quiet zones. According to the 2022 Quiet Zone FRAWeb Report, 63 cities and counties in the state have established quiet zones.
In Orange County, the Orange County Transportation Authority has partnered with eight cities on OCTA–owned railways to establish quiet zones, including Anaheim, Santa Ana, Irvine, Orange, and others over a decade ago.
A feasibility study will need to be conducted before establishing a quiet zone. This study will analyze the potential financial implications of the project, including the costs of necessary safety improvements at railroad crossings, such as upgrades to signage, flashing lights, and gates.
The study will also assess the long-term costs of maintaining these safety enhancements.
This initiative to explore quiet zones aligns with the city’s broader efforts to address noise pollution and improve residents’ quality of life. In 2023, the City Council took a significant step towards modernizing its noise regulations by approving the first comprehensive update to the city’s noise ordinance since 1975.
This long-overdue update addresses Long Beach’s changing needs and acknowledges the city’s significant growth and development over the past five decades.
The updated noise ordinance introduces 16 new noise-reduction strategies and over 100 new policy guidelines, reflecting a more nuanced and comprehensive approach to noise mitigation.
The updated ordinance ensures that new residential and commercial developments prioritize noise reduction measures. Developers are now encouraged to incorporate noise-dampening features into their project designs, minimizing the impact of construction and operational noise on surrounding neighborhoods.
Beyond development, the updated ordinance tackles noise pollution from various sources, including traffic and transportation. It calls for a collaborative approach involving private developers and local agencies to promote quieter modes of transportation, such as walking, cycling, and smaller electric vehicles.
These strategies aim to create a more pedestrian-friendly and less noise-polluted environment throughout Long Beach.
The Long Beach Airport (LGB) also contributes to the city’s noise reduction efforts. Recognizing the impact of aircraft noise on surrounding communities, the airport has been working to minimize disruptions.
LGB has one of the most stringent aircraft noise monitoring programs in the United States. This program, established through a noise ordinance implemented in 1981, includes measures to limit nighttime noise levels, restrict the number of commercial flights, and regulate the hours of operation for commercial aircraft.
The airport’s commitment to noise reduction extends beyond local ordinances. In 2024, LGB took a proactive step by offering reimbursements to pilots who convert their aircraft to use unleaded fuel, aiming to reduce noise and emissions from airport operations.
A jet aircraft flying at 500 feet above can produce a volume of 120 decibels.
According to Collateral Analytics, noise pollution is a significant factor that can negatively affect the value of residential property. Studies in Seoul, South Korea, and Olsztyn, Poland, have shown that property values decrease as noise levels increase, with properties near major roads experiencing the most significant devaluation.
Research in St. Paul, Minnesota, further confirms this relationship, demonstrating a negative correlation between noise pollution and property values.
The WHO Regional Office for Europe says noise pollution from transportation (road traffic, railway, and aircraft) can negatively impact health. Road traffic noise is associated with ischemic heart disease and high blood pressure, while all three sources can disrupt sleep and cause annoyance.
Additionally, road traffic and aircraft noise may impair children’s cognitive development.
The potential establishment of train horn quiet zones, coupled with the recent update to the city’s noise ordinance and ongoing efforts at Long Beach Airport, highlights the city’s development to create a quieter and more livable environment for all residents.
By addressing noise pollution from various sources, Long Beach aims to improve public health, promote sustainable development, and enhance the overall quality of life in the city.
The Bureau of Transportation Statistics has an interactive “National Transportation Noise Map” that displays areas where noise pollution from rails, roads, and aviation occurs.
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Where is Jose Cervantes receiving information about Long Beach reducing noise from planes ? This is FALSE information. What are his sources? LB has done NOTHING to reduce noise from general aviation aircraft and says their hands are tied due to receiving FAA grant money (millions). FLY FRIENDLY programs are a joke and not adhered to. No fines are given General aviation aircraft terrorize our community at 200-500 feet above our homes from 6am to well after midnight. Often taking off every 20-30 SECONDS. This is actually such an issue that hundreds of community members track and complain about GA flight noise daily. Over 600 flights mostly from flight schools a DAY. Shame on you beachcomber for publishing such misinformation. Sharing with my (very angry) community.
As a follow up , ZERO gallons of unleaded fuel have been used so 600 LOUD flights per day pollute our air with lead and noise. Report on THAT. Noise ordinance and fly friendly are not followed.
Writing an article with such misinformation is abhorrent.
Julie G. Carter
It is unfortunate that this email was written with hatred and anger. For creating such criticisms of my sources of information, it is ironic that they have provided no sources for their claims. Nevertheless, I will address all claims with sources and break down the comments.
"Where is Jose Cervantes receiving information about Long Beach reducing noise from planes? This is FALSE information. What are his sources?"
" LB has done NOTHING to reduce noise from general aviation aircraft and says their hands are tied due to receiving FAA grant money (millions)."
As the sources provide, LB has actively promoted efforts to reduce aircraft noise at LGB. I wish to see a source saying the FAA is controlling LB's efforts with the LGB noise ordinance.
"FLY FRIENDLY programs are a joke and not adhered to."
Fly friendly programs are voluntary initiatives. Never did I talk about this.
"No fines are given General aviation aircraft terrorize our community at 200-500 feet above our homes from 6 am to well after midnight."
"Terrorize" is a strong word. An overwhelming majority of pilots of aircraft do not intentionally terrorize or agonize the people below them. Another pending source about violations and enforcement of the law through issuing fines is needed.
"Often taking off every 20-30 SECONDS."
LGB had an average of 43 commercial flight take-offs every day in 2023. If a plane takes off every 30 seconds within 24 hours, 2880 planes will take off.
"This is actually such an issue that hundreds of community members track and complain about GA flight noise daily."
I do not doubt the noise complaints.
"Over 600 flights mostly from flight schools a DAY."
Using an FAA OPSNET report, the number of itinerant operations ranged from 12,000 to 14,000 a month from January 2024 through May 2024. This includes commercial, military, air taxi, and general aviation. The total average would be 350-500 a day.
"Shame on you beachcomber for publishing such misinformation. Sharing with my (very angry) community."
Unfortunate comment written in anger.
"As a follow up , ZERO gallons of unleaded fuel have been used so 600 LOUD flights per day pollute our air with lead and noise."
Unleaded fuel is available for purchase at LGB
"Noise ordinance and fly friendly are not followed."
Source for this claim?
"Writing an article with such misinformation is abhorrent."
That's another unfortunate comment.
Jose Cervantes
Long Beach officials have done zero to "reduce" GA noise. There actually are moments during a day when planes do pass within a minute of each other. Not the entire day, but it does happen. Interview residents as a legitimate source. Speak to actual people that live here, as opposed to general data that is not specific to flight schools impacting the community. You can go to a plane tracking site and see the activity in real time. You can stand at Orange and 36th St. any time of the day and see/hear it for yourself. The article is a PR piece for city officials. Specific "flight schools" are egregious daily. Do some research. Report how these "schools" game the rules to fly at any hour of the day. Imagine a person mowing the lawn at midnight or using a leaf blower and multiple the noise magnitude. This is what is going on in Lakewood, Signal Hill, California Heights, and elsewhere. Tens of thousands of residents being dismissed in favor af a dozen flight schools. Many coming from other airports to exploit LB anything goes policy.
[EDITOR NOTE: Anonymous submissions -- such as this one -- will not be printed in the newspaper.]