Residents within earshot of the train tracks on Bellingham’s south side could be hearing fewer locomotive horns after the city announced it has completed requirements for a railroad “quiet zone” through the Fairhaven area. Engineers normally are required to sound their horn when a train approaches a crossing, according to federal rules.

The City of Bellingham and Port of Bellingham have officially started their “quiet zone” for trains moving through the area. It took the city close to 20 years in planning and safety measures for the city to implement rules regarding when a train horn can be used.