NORTH SALT LAKE -- In an effort to quell the routine sound of locomotive horns at the city's grade crossings, officials have appealed to Union Pacific for "quiet zones."

According to Mayor Kay Briggs, Union Pacific recently responded favorably to his e-mail request for the zones.

City Attorney Mike Nielsen said the city has followed the lead of Salt Lake City, which passed railroad horn quiet zones at 900 South.

The quiet zones in NSL are intended for the existing UP lines, including the future UTA commuter rail line, said Public Works Director Rod Wood.

Nielsen said, as a result of the zones, the city will have to work with Union Pacific to ensure safety at the crossings.

According to the SLC ordinance, a quiet zone prohibits a locomotive operator from sounding an "audible warning device" within 900 feet of a street/track crossing, unless the operator judges the action necessary to prevent property damage or injury to persons.

Nielsen said the quiet zones may require upgrades to existing crossings to make them safer.

At the city council meeting Tuesday, Briggs said Woods Cross will also have quiet zones at its crossings based on a similar request made by that city.