New train quiet zone takes effect in Orange

There’s something missing in the city of Orange. Beginning Wednesday the city's new train quiet zone kicks into full gear.

Transportation officials say they’ve finished the necessary railroad crossing upgrades so train engineers no longer have to sound their horns up to four times as they approach each crossing.

Now the trains will only have to sound off when they’re passing through a construction zone or if the conductor sees a problem up ahead.

It’s part of an $85 million rail improvement project. Eight cities, including Orange, teamed up with the Orange County Transportation Authority and Metrolink to make it happen.

The project includes upgrading 50 rail crossings throughout the county, so that cities can apply to a federal agency and establish a train quiet zone.

It’s a relief for railroad neighbors who get tired of hearing the loud train horns all the time.