Description
The City would like to reduce the noise caused by train horns as the trains approach the Spruce Street/Greenough Drive railroad crossing. The horn blasts can be disruptive to people who live and work near the crossing, especially when the horns are sounded throughout the night as well as during the day.
The Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) requires trains to sound their horns at least 15 seconds before they reach a public crossing as a warning to motorists and others of the approaching train. This is a safety measure to prevent conflicts between trains and people crossing the tracks.
What are the community benefits of reducing train horn noise?
- Significantly reduced train horn noise for residents and local businesses.
- Improved livability in the Lower Rattlesnake and Heart of Missoula neighborhoods.
- Protection of property values and neighborhood appeal.
- Continued safety through upgraded crossing technology.
UPDATE - November 10, 2025
Train Horn Noise Reduction Survey Now LIVE!
We’re asking property owners in the Lower Rattlesnake and nearby areas to share their level of interest in creating a Special Improvement District (SID) to help fund train horn mitigation improvements at the Madison/Greenough and Taylor Street railroad crossings. The results of this survey will help the City determine whether there is community support to move forward with a potential SID proposal.
Why is an SID being considered?
The total cost of the proposed improvements—installing wayside horns at Madison/Greenough and new gate arms at Taylor Street—is estimated at $921,000. The Missoula Redevelopment Agency has committed $200,000 toward the project, but additional funding is needed to complete it. An SID would create a dedicated, local funding source—paid by property owners who are most affected by train noise— to close the funding gap and make this project possible.
How can I share my input?
Complete the printed survey you receive in the mail or take the online survey available on this page. The deadline to submit your survey is December 5.
Your feedback will help inform our efforts to pursue an SID to help fund the Railroad Train Horn Project in the Lower Rattlesnake.
Submit your survey today!
UPDATE - October 29, 2025
The City of Missoula continues to work with community members and BNSF to reduce train horn noise and its impact on residents and businesses in the Lower Rattlesnake and Heart of Missoula neighborhoods. The City has identified two viable Federal Rail Administration (FRA)–approved options:
- Wayside horns at Madison/Greenough
- New gate arms at Taylor Street to reduce community noise while maintaining safety.
The total project cost is estimated at $921,000. The Missoula Redevelopment Agency has committed $200,000, leaving a gap we're exploring the possibility of filling through a Special Improvement District (SID).
Next Steps: Launch a Community SID Survey To move this project forward, we assembled a working group of community stakeholders, City Council representation, and PWM staff to understand the local impacts. Together, we decided to conduct a community survey to inform a potential SID request and to engage community members in finding a solution. The SID survey goals are:
- Understand the severity of train horn noise impact on residents and business owners.
- Gauge property owners’ interest in creating a SID to fund the remaining project cost.
- Determine appropriate SID configuration based on community interest, feedback, and impacted geography.
Why is an SID the best path forward? It provides a fair and direct way for those most impacted by train horn noise to invest in the solution. It ensures the City can move forward sooner, rather than waiting years for alternative funding that may never materialize. It creates a shared local partnership—leveraging the City’s existing commitment and MRA’s $200,000 contribution to maximize available resources. It results in a long-term quality-of-life improvement for the Lower Rattlesnake and surrounding neighborhoods. | |
What's the SID survey timeline?
- November 10: Online survey opens on this page (COMING SOON!)
- November 12: Printed surveys and letters arrive in mailboxes.
- December 5: Survey closes.
- December 29: Results compiled and SID recommendation finalized.
- Early 2026: City may present a proposed SID to City Council.
UPDATE - January 19, 2023
Public Works & Mobility staff continue to work on solutions that will allow wayside horns to be installed at this intersection. We have removed vegetation along the tracks to make room for some of the equipment required for the wayside horn installation, and we have the required FRA documentation in place. Before we can order the necessary equipment, we must have an agreement in place with Burlington Northern Santa Fe (they are in the process of taking ownership of this rail line from Montana Rail Link) regarding equipment and signage installation and maintenance responsibilities. In addition, we need assurance that trains will not sound their horns at the Taylor St. railroad crossing if we install the wayside horns at the Spruce St./Greenough Dr. crossing.
Please know that we are doing everything within our power to move the project forward as quickly as possible while continuing to prioritize public safety. We appreciate your patience and understanding.
UPDATE - July 15, 2022
The plan to install wayside horns at the intersection is still in the works. Public Works & Mobility has the required documentation in place and is waiting on the following:
- Montana Rail Link (MRL)/Burlington Northern Santa Fe (BNSF) to issue the temporary right-of-way occupancy permit that will allow the City to remove vegetation for train operator visibility and install the equipment required for the wayside horns, and
- an agreement approved by MRL/BNSF regarding equipment and signage installation and maintenance.
*At this time, we are not able to predict how soon this project can be implemented because we don’t know how much longer the above tasks will take.*
Update - October 25, 2021
On October 21, 2021, Missoula Redevelopment Agency (MRA) authorized funding in an amount not to exceed $200,000 to complete installation of wayside horns at the Spruce/Madison/Greenough railroad crossing.
Next Steps:
- Public Works & Mobility will coordinate with project consultant Triple Tree Engineering on the scope of work for final engineering and design, coordination with Montana Rail Link (MRL), permitting, and miscellaneous other details.
- The City will seek a written agreement with MRL that trains will no longer sounds their horns at the Taylor St. railroad crossing (private crossing) after the City installs the wayside horns at the Spruce/Madison/Greenough railroad crossing.
- Once a final contract with Triple Tree and a fabrication and installation contract with Rio-Tech, manufacturer of the wayside horns, is approved by City Council, the wayside horns will be installed.
The anticipated timeframe for installation to be completed is late spring to early summer 2022.
Update - August 2021
Results from the June wayside horn testing showed significantly lower noise levels in the nearby neighborhoods for the wayside horn when compared to the levels for the train horns. So, the next steps the City will take to move forward with a wayside horn project are as follows:
- secure project funding,
- amend our contract with the engineering consultant to assist with project design and the steps below,
- secure required permits,
- purchase the equipment, and
- coordinate with Montana Rail Link to install equipment.
We are working to have the funding in place this fall so that we can go to bid on the equipment and labor during the winter for installation in the late spring/early summer of 2022. We will continue to update this page as we work through the process.
Update - June 17, 2021
On June 2, 2021, the City’s Public Works & Mobility Department ran tests at 2:00 p.m. and 10:30 p.m. to measure sound levels from wayside horns, which if installed would remove the requirement for trains to sound their horns as they approach the Spruce Street/Greenough Drive railroad crossing. Results from these tests are available in a memo from our project consultant: Missoula Wayside Horn Demonstration Summary.
Our next steps will be to review the test results with our consultant and look at funding options to install the wayside horns on a permanent basis.
Wayside horn test location #1 - north of tracks
Bucket truck used to elevate wayside horn for tests
Wayside horn test location #2 - south of tracks
Possible Solutions
The City hired a consultant to look at all possible solutions for stopping the use of train horns at this railroad crossing. The result was that the City basically has two options: establish a "quiet zone" or install wayside horns. See the attached Missoula Quiet Zone Preliminary Engineering Study for a detailed description of both options. In addition, Montana Rail Link has stated that if the City employs either of these proposed options, they agree they will also stop sounding train horns at the Taylor Street private crossing (east of Spruce Street) except in emergency situations.
Option 1 - Establish a Quiet Zone Establishing a quiet zone can be a lengthy and expensive process. The FRA has very specific crossing upgrade requirements for a railroad crossing to be designated as a quiet zone. The City would be responsible for all costs related to the upgrades. Requirements include the following: - Installation of additional closure gates, concrete medians, or a combination of the two that would prevent motorists from driving around lowered gate arms.
- Installation of additional flashing lights, power outage indicators, and advance notice signs telling motorists that trains do not sound horns.
- Pedestrian gates may be required due to the high volume of pedestrian traffic at this crossing.
- Realignment of the sidewalk on the southwest and northeast areas of the crossing may be required to allow for installation of pedestrian gates.
Time Frame: About a year for FRA design review and approval plus an additional year for construction, depending on the final design. Project Cost: Estimated to be between $440,000 and $630,000, depending on final design, and would need to go through the Community Improvement Project (CIP) process for funding.
|
| Option 2 - Install Wayside Horns Wayside horns are approved by FRA as an option for eliminating the train horn requirement. They are mounted at the crossing site and are directed downward toward the traffic approaching the crossing. If wayside horns are installed, the City would not need to establish a quiet zone to stop the use of train horns at the intersection. Additional details include the following: - Current flashing lights and closure gate arms would remain and continue to be used.
- Wayside horns result in significantly less noise than train horns (see sound distribution maps below).
Time Frame: Installation would take a few months to coordinate with Montana Rail Link and to order and install wayside horns. Project Cost: Estimated to be around $130,000.
|
Initial Findings: Traffic Operations
Description
In addition to the quiet zone analysis, the City had asked the consultant to evaluate the existing traffic flow and safety concerns at the intersection of Spruce Street and Madison Street just west of the railroad crossing. The City wanted to see if combining the quiet zone solutions with solutions to traffic safety concerns at this intersection would be feasible.
Possible Solutions
The consultant analyzed the area to determine if lane modifications or adding a roundabout could provide better operations at the intersection while maintaining or enhancing vehicle and pedestrian safety in the area. The consultant recommended the following:
"Based on this traffic analysis, the installation of a roundabout would provide improved traffic flow through this area and would clear traffic faster after a train has passed. The roundabout would also improve safety by allowing vehicles to clear the tracks, lowering vehicle speeds, and providing better pedestrian facilities. It is recommended that the installation of a roundabout design be explored in detail at this location. Geometric challenges of installing a roundabout at this location will need to be considered. If possible, the intersection of 2nd Street and Greenough Drive should be modified with a roundabout or a separated left-turn lane for northbound traffic. This modification would require moving the 2nd Street approach to the north by approximately 50-100 feet."
See the attached Spruce Street Railroad Crossing Traffic Report for a detailed description of the analysis.
Description
The City would like to reduce the noise caused by train horns as the trains approach the Spruce Street/Greenough Drive railroad crossing. The horn blasts can be disruptive to people who live and work near the crossing, especially when the horns are sounded throughout the night as well as during the day.
The Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) requires trains to sound their horns at least 15 seconds before they reach a public crossing as a warning to motorists and others of the approaching train. This is a safety measure to prevent conflicts between trains and people crossing the tracks.
What are the community benefits of reducing train horn noise?
- Significantly reduced train horn noise for residents and local businesses.
- Improved livability in the Lower Rattlesnake and Heart of Missoula neighborhoods.
- Protection of property values and neighborhood appeal.
- Continued safety through upgraded crossing technology.
UPDATE - November 10, 2025
Train Horn Noise Reduction Survey Now LIVE!
We’re asking property owners in the Lower Rattlesnake and nearby areas to share their level of interest in creating a Special Improvement District (SID) to help fund train horn mitigation improvements at the Madison/Greenough and Taylor Street railroad crossings. The results of this survey will help the City determine whether there is community support to move forward with a potential SID proposal.
Why is an SID being considered?
The total cost of the proposed improvements—installing wayside horns at Madison/Greenough and new gate arms at Taylor Street—is estimated at $921,000. The Missoula Redevelopment Agency has committed $200,000 toward the project, but additional funding is needed to complete it. An SID would create a dedicated, local funding source—paid by property owners who are most affected by train noise— to close the funding gap and make this project possible.
How can I share my input?
Complete the printed survey you receive in the mail or take the online survey available on this page. The deadline to submit your survey is December 5.
Your feedback will help inform our efforts to pursue an SID to help fund the Railroad Train Horn Project in the Lower Rattlesnake.
Submit your survey today!
UPDATE - October 29, 2025
The City of Missoula continues to work with community members and BNSF to reduce train horn noise and its impact on residents and businesses in the Lower Rattlesnake and Heart of Missoula neighborhoods. The City has identified two viable Federal Rail Administration (FRA)–approved options:
- Wayside horns at Madison/Greenough
- New gate arms at Taylor Street to reduce community noise while maintaining safety.
The total project cost is estimated at $921,000. The Missoula Redevelopment Agency has committed $200,000, leaving a gap we're exploring the possibility of filling through a Special Improvement District (SID).
Next Steps: Launch a Community SID Survey To move this project forward, we assembled a working group of community stakeholders, City Council representation, and PWM staff to understand the local impacts. Together, we decided to conduct a community survey to inform a potential SID request and to engage community members in finding a solution. The SID survey goals are:
- Understand the severity of train horn noise impact on residents and business owners.
- Gauge property owners’ interest in creating a SID to fund the remaining project cost.
- Determine appropriate SID configuration based on community interest, feedback, and impacted geography.
Why is an SID the best path forward? It provides a fair and direct way for those most impacted by train horn noise to invest in the solution. It ensures the City can move forward sooner, rather than waiting years for alternative funding that may never materialize. It creates a shared local partnership—leveraging the City’s existing commitment and MRA’s $200,000 contribution to maximize available resources. It results in a long-term quality-of-life improvement for the Lower Rattlesnake and surrounding neighborhoods. | |
What's the SID survey timeline?
- November 10: Online survey opens on this page (COMING SOON!)
- November 12: Printed surveys and letters arrive in mailboxes.
- December 5: Survey closes.
- December 29: Results compiled and SID recommendation finalized.
- Early 2026: City may present a proposed SID to City Council.
UPDATE - January 19, 2023
Public Works & Mobility staff continue to work on solutions that will allow wayside horns to be installed at this intersection. We have removed vegetation along the tracks to make room for some of the equipment required for the wayside horn installation, and we have the required FRA documentation in place. Before we can order the necessary equipment, we must have an agreement in place with Burlington Northern Santa Fe (they are in the process of taking ownership of this rail line from Montana Rail Link) regarding equipment and signage installation and maintenance responsibilities. In addition, we need assurance that trains will not sound their horns at the Taylor St. railroad crossing if we install the wayside horns at the Spruce St./Greenough Dr. crossing.
Please know that we are doing everything within our power to move the project forward as quickly as possible while continuing to prioritize public safety. We appreciate your patience and understanding.
UPDATE - July 15, 2022
The plan to install wayside horns at the intersection is still in the works. Public Works & Mobility has the required documentation in place and is waiting on the following:
- Montana Rail Link (MRL)/Burlington Northern Santa Fe (BNSF) to issue the temporary right-of-way occupancy permit that will allow the City to remove vegetation for train operator visibility and install the equipment required for the wayside horns, and
- an agreement approved by MRL/BNSF regarding equipment and signage installation and maintenance.
*At this time, we are not able to predict how soon this project can be implemented because we don’t know how much longer the above tasks will take.*
Update - October 25, 2021
On October 21, 2021, Missoula Redevelopment Agency (MRA) authorized funding in an amount not to exceed $200,000 to complete installation of wayside horns at the Spruce/Madison/Greenough railroad crossing.
Next Steps:
- Public Works & Mobility will coordinate with project consultant Triple Tree Engineering on the scope of work for final engineering and design, coordination with Montana Rail Link (MRL), permitting, and miscellaneous other details.
- The City will seek a written agreement with MRL that trains will no longer sounds their horns at the Taylor St. railroad crossing (private crossing) after the City installs the wayside horns at the Spruce/Madison/Greenough railroad crossing.
- Once a final contract with Triple Tree and a fabrication and installation contract with Rio-Tech, manufacturer of the wayside horns, is approved by City Council, the wayside horns will be installed.
The anticipated timeframe for installation to be completed is late spring to early summer 2022.
Update - August 2021
Results from the June wayside horn testing showed significantly lower noise levels in the nearby neighborhoods for the wayside horn when compared to the levels for the train horns. So, the next steps the City will take to move forward with a wayside horn project are as follows:
- secure project funding,
- amend our contract with the engineering consultant to assist with project design and the steps below,
- secure required permits,
- purchase the equipment, and
- coordinate with Montana Rail Link to install equipment.
We are working to have the funding in place this fall so that we can go to bid on the equipment and labor during the winter for installation in the late spring/early summer of 2022. We will continue to update this page as we work through the process.
Update - June 17, 2021
On June 2, 2021, the City’s Public Works & Mobility Department ran tests at 2:00 p.m. and 10:30 p.m. to measure sound levels from wayside horns, which if installed would remove the requirement for trains to sound their horns as they approach the Spruce Street/Greenough Drive railroad crossing. Results from these tests are available in a memo from our project consultant: Missoula Wayside Horn Demonstration Summary.
Our next steps will be to review the test results with our consultant and look at funding options to install the wayside horns on a permanent basis.
Wayside horn test location #1 - north of tracks
Bucket truck used to elevate wayside horn for testsWayside horn test location #2 - south of tracks
Possible Solutions
The City hired a consultant to look at all possible solutions for stopping the use of train horns at this railroad crossing. The result was that the City basically has two options: establish a "quiet zone" or install wayside horns. See the attached Missoula Quiet Zone Preliminary Engineering Study for a detailed description of both options. In addition, Montana Rail Link has stated that if the City employs either of these proposed options, they agree they will also stop sounding train horns at the Taylor Street private crossing (east of Spruce Street) except in emergency situations.
Option 1 - Establish a Quiet Zone Establishing a quiet zone can be a lengthy and expensive process. The FRA has very specific crossing upgrade requirements for a railroad crossing to be designated as a quiet zone. The City would be responsible for all costs related to the upgrades. Requirements include the following: - Installation of additional closure gates, concrete medians, or a combination of the two that would prevent motorists from driving around lowered gate arms.
- Installation of additional flashing lights, power outage indicators, and advance notice signs telling motorists that trains do not sound horns.
- Pedestrian gates may be required due to the high volume of pedestrian traffic at this crossing.
- Realignment of the sidewalk on the southwest and northeast areas of the crossing may be required to allow for installation of pedestrian gates.
Time Frame: About a year for FRA design review and approval plus an additional year for construction, depending on the final design. Project Cost: Estimated to be between $440,000 and $630,000, depending on final design, and would need to go through the Community Improvement Project (CIP) process for funding.
|
| Option 2 - Install Wayside Horns Wayside horns are approved by FRA as an option for eliminating the train horn requirement. They are mounted at the crossing site and are directed downward toward the traffic approaching the crossing. If wayside horns are installed, the City would not need to establish a quiet zone to stop the use of train horns at the intersection. Additional details include the following: - Current flashing lights and closure gate arms would remain and continue to be used.
- Wayside horns result in significantly less noise than train horns (see sound distribution maps below).
Time Frame: Installation would take a few months to coordinate with Montana Rail Link and to order and install wayside horns. Project Cost: Estimated to be around $130,000.
|
Initial Findings: Traffic Operations
Description
In addition to the quiet zone analysis, the City had asked the consultant to evaluate the existing traffic flow and safety concerns at the intersection of Spruce Street and Madison Street just west of the railroad crossing. The City wanted to see if combining the quiet zone solutions with solutions to traffic safety concerns at this intersection would be feasible.
Possible Solutions
The consultant analyzed the area to determine if lane modifications or adding a roundabout could provide better operations at the intersection while maintaining or enhancing vehicle and pedestrian safety in the area. The consultant recommended the following:
"Based on this traffic analysis, the installation of a roundabout would provide improved traffic flow through this area and would clear traffic faster after a train has passed. The roundabout would also improve safety by allowing vehicles to clear the tracks, lowering vehicle speeds, and providing better pedestrian facilities. It is recommended that the installation of a roundabout design be explored in detail at this location. Geometric challenges of installing a roundabout at this location will need to be considered. If possible, the intersection of 2nd Street and Greenough Drive should be modified with a roundabout or a separated left-turn lane for northbound traffic. This modification would require moving the 2nd Street approach to the north by approximately 50-100 feet."
See the attached Spruce Street Railroad Crossing Traffic Report for a detailed description of the analysis.
Missoula Wayside Horn Demonstration Summary Memo (870 KB) (pdf)
