DeKALB | Blaring train horns have been a common occurrence in DeKalb for a number of years.

In 2002, Greg Sparrow, former mayor of DeKalb, created a “quiet zone” policy in an effort to suppress the noise trains make as they come through the city.

Sparrow also implemented a plan to install wayside horns at the intersections of First, Fourth, Seventh and Tenth Streets. In addition, pedestrian walkways are expected to be built on Sixth and Fourth Street. Since then, there have been almost no improvements on the project.

Now, four years later, the plan is finally expected to progress.

Before the wayside horns can be installed, the city council must first hear the issue. For years, DeKalb officials have been in contact with the Union Pacific railroad to reach a compromise. Talks regarding the horn installation are slated for this November, two months behind the estimated September date. City officials say the project is without delay.

“The project is close to completion,” said DeKalb City Engineer Joel Maurer. “This has been a long and drawn-out process.”

Maurer confirmed the project should be completed by Spring 2007, and as of today it is on track.

The news comes as a relief for local business owners like Fareed Haque, owner of The House Cafe, which is near the intersection of Lincoln Highway and Third Street, where train horns are the loudest.

“It’s very distracting to my customers,” Haque said. “I think the entire downtown would appreciate the silence of the trains.”

Haque is just one of many local area business owners who try to function while the earsplitting noise of the trains echo in the background.

“[The noise] is no one’s fault,” Haque said. “The train horns are a safety issue, and I don’t want anyone to get hurt. If there is some way to kill the noise and keep everyone safe, then that would be great.”

Haque’s sentiments are similar to the route the city will take. Once the wayside horns are installed, The nuisance of the train clamor will be diminished.