Some people in East Nashville have begun fighting back against a noisy neighbor.
They said trains that pass through their neighborhood several times each hour are extremely loud and impacting their quality of life.
The have asked the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) to establish a so-called quiet zone that would keep conductors from blowing the horn at designated crossings.
“It’s just a constant nuisance,” said Troy Cunningham, who lives in the East Hill community. “When they blow that whistle it will literally scare you to death.”
Cunningham’s home of 15 years backs up to the railroad tracks. He said the noise and train horns have taken a toll on him and his home.
“I’ve got nails in my house that have come out of the drywall,” said Cunningham. “It has shaken my house apart.”
Cunningham and neighbors have started a website drawing attention to the cause and are asking for signatures on a petition.
It's an approach that has worked before. Since 2014, a quiet zone has been in effect along 3rd Avenue North in Nashville.
At-Large Metro Council Member Erica Gilmore oversaw the project. She said it was a long process that required the city to work with the FRA and CSX, and the railroad track had to meet certain requirements.
“It’s definitely possible,” said Council Member Gilmore. “There are a lot of factors that can make it easier or harder.”
In a statement, CSX said the FRA requires train crews to sound horns at crossings and at other designated locations regardless of the time of day. Quiet zones are established by the FRA in areas where communities have implemented alternate safety measures to mitigate the risk of not blowing train horns.
“Communities interested in establishing quiet zones must apply to the FRA and implement the required additional safety mechanisms to be considered for a quiet zone designation,” said Kristin Seay, with CSX Corporate Communications. “CSX will work with communities through this process to provide feedback regarding safety and other rail-related concerns.”
For more information on neighborhood’s efforts to quiet the train, or to sign the petition here.
