A new project is underway to allow trains to sound their horns less

Work began on a project that will make the passing of trains in residential areas much quieter.

The quiet zone project began in central El Paso near Maple Street and Cedar Street railroad crossings Monday.

Railroad crossings at Birch Street and Elm Street will be permanently closed at a later date; railroad crossings at Piedras Street and Rosewood Street will remain open, and will receive new upgrades to their medians, landscaping and sidewalks.

According to Federal Railroad Administration regulations, trains are required to use their air horns at all railroad crossings as a precaution for vehicles and pedestrians.

Closing the crossings and modifying them will allow trains to pass without always sounding their horns.

In conjunction with the project, contractors will also replace a 16-inch water line located within the Union Pacific Railroad right of way. The pipeline is in poor condition, and it has broken several times. The new pipeline will be relocated to the city’s right of way along Pershing Drive between Raynor and Magnolia streets. In addition, smaller water lines will be replaced along following cross streets: Rosewood, Maple, Birch, and Elm.

The entire project is set to be complete by September 2016