The remaining portion of the Downtown Quiet Zone covering Jackson Street, Virginia Street, Court Street, and Iowa Street railroad crossings in downtown Sioux City will go into effect at 12 a.m. on January 30, 2026. Once active, trains will no longer routinely sound their horns at these crossings, improving the environment for nearby residents, workers, and businesses.

This expansion, known as Downtown Quiet Zone Phase II, builds on the success of Phase I, which was established in 2010 and includes the western crossings in downtown at Pearl Street, Pierce Street, and Nebraska Street.

To meet Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) safety requirements, the City of Sioux City completed upgrades at each eastern crossing, including new medians, signage, pedestrian improvements, updated rail signals, and enhanced gate systems. These upgrades ensure that the crossings meet the FRA’s Train Horn Rule, which outlines the safety standards necessary for establishing a quiet zone.

The City submitted its formal application for the eastern quiet zone in 2023. The FRA approved the City’s application on December 16, 2025, and completed its inspection on December 31. A Notice of Establishment was issued January 9, 2026, to all affected partners, including BNSF, D&I Railroad, Canadian National Railroad, and the Iowa Department of Transportation. New “No Train Horn” signs will be installed and covered until the quiet zone becomes active on January 30.

While quiet zones prohibit the routine sounding of train horns, safety remains a top priority. Train horns may still be used in emergencies or when required by railroad or FRA rules, and locomotive bells will continue to sound at crossings. Both quiet zones will undergo regular reviews, with compliance updates submitted to the FRA every five years.