In 2005 the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) adopted a regulation allowing for the establishment of Railroad Quiet Zones.  This meant that if a railroad crossing met certain safety criteria then it could be requested that trains cease engaging their whistles when approaching this crossing.  In the fall of 2005 a petition was circulated within Sun City West and Sun City Grand requesting that both the R.H. Johnson and the Meeker railroad crossings be considered for "whistle exclusion."  This petition had wide acceptance, receiving over 1500 signitures.

The Maricopa County Department of Transportation (MCDOT) accepted the above petition and hired a consulting firm to determine the costs and feasibility of defining the R.H. Johnson and Meeker crossings as Quiet Zones.  This study culminated in a  Public Hearing/Open House which was held this past March in Surprise.  The response from the attendees greatly favored the Quiet Zones.

MCDOT has now accepted the Quiet Zone requests which will only allow a train to engage it's whistle in an emergency situation such as seeing something on or near the tracks.  MCDOT has also produced plans for additional signage and fencing which will be required to meet the FRA Quiet Zone requirement.  The cost for implementing these modifications is approximately $20,000.  These funds need to come from local establishments and citizens.

Sun City West PORA has agreed to be the collection point for donations that will go toward payment for these crossing modifications.  To contribute to the implementation of these Quiet Zones you can either mail or drop your checks  at the PORA office at 13815 Camino del Sol, Sun City West 85375.  Please make your check payable to "PORA - The Quiet Zone."

The Committee hopes that you will donate to this project.  Quiet Zones will help stem the potential health problems caused by noise polution and will increase property values in the area.