Downtown San Diego quiet zone project progresses

Safety tests began in San Diego on July 10 to ensure that newly installed equipment for its quiet zone would function properly. This test, the first of seven that certify equipment function at 12 public crossings, is required before new vehicular and pedestrian gates can be installed, which are expected to arrive in August 2011. In addition, a test train made a total of eight roundtrips from Old Town Station through downtown to check the accuracy and responsiveness of upgraded railroad signal devices that activate gates at public crossings. Plans call for all safety enhancements, including gates, medians, traffic signals and warning lights to be operational by spring 2012. Shortly thereafter, the tracks between Laurel Street and Fifth Ave., will qualify as a quiet zone.