Cities Howl About FRA Whistle Rule

WASHINGTON — A proposal to require trains to sound whistles or horns at grade crossings unprotected by gates came under fire July 18 from members of Congress and municipal officials opposed to the noisy warnings.

Several of the witnesses were from the Chicago area because of the city’s status as a major rail hub.

“The impact to my constituents and the people of Illinois cannot be underestimated,” said House Speaker J. Dennis Hastert, (R-Ill.).

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Typical of the comments from local officials were those of Miguel d’Escoto, deputy chief of staff to Chicago Mayor Richard M. Daley. D’Escoto complained that the Federal Railroad Administration’s proposal would require the city to install costly protection systems.



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