After a series of deadline extensions, South Florida’s railroad quiet zones will officially go into effect starting May 18, 2019. This comes after the installation of supplemental safety measures in over 300 railroad crossings that stretch from Miami to West Palm Beach.

Originally, the safety measures were expected to be completed before Brightline began operations in early 2018. As the deadline approached, however, extensions led to new deadlines including the spring, summer, and December of 2018.

The May 18 start date is long-awaited by Floridians who live near the crossings. Every day, 80 trains blast their horn four times at the railroad crossings along the line. Oakland Park homeowner Robert Figueroa is one of many locals that describe the train horns as unbearably loud: “I’ve had to purchase a white-noise machine to be able to sleep even with my windows closed. The trains blasting in the middle of the night have definitely impacted my sleep.” Steve Coleman of Fort Lauderdale echoes this sentiment, saying that “it is more than anyone should have to bear.”

The federal requirements needed to implement quiet zones included adding additional crossing gate arms, upgraded warning devices, improved lighting, and more signage, medians, and curbs. The primary purpose of the safety measures is to discourage individuals from trespassing on railroad tracks when crossing gates come down.

While there has been some concern that quiet zones will lead to an increase in fatalities, a federal study completed in 2014 found that to be untrue: the death toll does not rise when quiet zones are created. Additionally, engineers can still sound their horns within quiet zones if a hazard is detected, such as if a pedestrian, construction crew, or car is on or within the immediate vicinity of the tracks.

At the same time, Virgin Train USA’s controversial safety record – 15 fatalities have occurred since it began Florida operations as Brightline – makes reservations about any action they take understandable. Ultimately, Virgin will need to continuously address hazards both in and outside of quiet zones to ensure the safety of Florida residents.