Kent implements downtown quiet zone; safety devices remain active, mayor says

Mayor Dana Ralph announced the implementation of a downtown quiet zone, saying the change means trains at many at-grade crossings in Kent will not be required to routinely blow horns.

"It means now that as the trains go through the many at grade crossings here in the city of Kent, they will no longer be required to, to blow the horn," Ralph said, adding that "the flashing lights will still be on, the dinging of the bells ... the arms will be activated" and that conductors will still sound horns if they observe something on the tracks. She said the change followed more than a decade of work between the city and railroads and celebrated the improved quality of life for downtown residents.

Ralph urged residents to note that safety devices remain active and that horns will still be used where necessary.