FRA Probes Miami Quiet Zone After Accident Surge Prompts Horn Review
Published Date: 11/24/2025
Notice
Summary
The Federal Railroad Administration is reviewing Miami’s Quiet Zone because accidents have gone up, and safety might not be good enough without train horns sounding. This review could lead to changes like adding safety measures or ending the Quiet Zone, affecting people living or traveling near the tracks. If you want to share your thoughts, you have until December 24, 2025, to comment—so don’t miss out!
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 1 costs, 1 mixed.
Quiet Zone Review Could Change Rules
The Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) is reviewing Miami's quiet zone and says it may require additional safety measures or terminate the quiet zone. The FRA will consider public comments through December 24, 2025, before the Associate Administrator decides whether to require changes or end the quiet zone.
Rising Accidents and Fatalities Noted
FRA found 23 accidents/incidents in the quiet zone between January 2020 and January 2025, including 11 incidents that resulted in injury or fatality (9 persons injured and 2 fatalities). FRA cites these incidents as a substantial increase in risk that prompted the review.
Missing Data, Sign Problems Found
FRA found documentation errors (missing pedestrian crossing 273133V, omission of Port Boulevard 272960A in the Quiet Zone Calculator, outdated AADT counts last done in 1988) and multiple Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD) exceptions, including missing or improperly used 'No Train Horn' signs. FRA noted that most exceptions were not corrected as of April 2025 and may lead to required fixes or other actions.
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Key Dates
Department and Agencies
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