Tacoma Train Crossing Horns Resume Amid Repair Delay

A power surge damaged the automatic warning system at Ruston Way and McCarver Street, forcing trains to sound horns manually.

Updated on Oct. 20, 2026 in City Hall

Tacoma Train Crossing Horns Resume Amid Repair Delay

Live Poll

Do you support prioritizing public safety systems in your area, even if they create noise disturbances?

Train operators are sounding horns at the McCarver Street crossing in Tacoma following a power outage that damaged the automatic warning system control panel. The system entered a fail-safe mode after an electrical spike on October 16, requiring mandatory manual horn usage.

Why it matters

The manual horn usage serves as a necessary safety measure while the recently installed $50,000 warning system undergoes repairs. City staff and BNSF are coordinating to restore the quiet zone status for local residents.

The city recently installed the warning system in late August at a cost of $50,000. It is designed to function for an expected lifespan of 15 to 20 years.

The players

BNSF

BNSF is one of the largest freight railroad networks in North America and operates the rail lines passing through Tacoma.

The details

A substation issue triggered a power outage and electrical spike that crippled the warning system control panel. Local residents have filed three 311 service requests and one online complaint regarding the sudden increase in noise levels near the intersection.

The warning system was activated in late August 2026.
A power outage occurred on October 16, 2026.
City staff assessed repair needs with BNSF on October 19, 2026.
A council member reported the issue on October 20, 2026.
Repairs are expected to be completed by October 26, 2026.

Political Context

This event marks a temporary departure from the city's established Federal Railroad Administration quiet zone regulations. While the current system is offline, the city faces pushback from residents who expected noise levels to remain permanently reduced following the August installation.

Residents living near Ruston Way and McCarver Street should expect ongoing train horn noise throughout the day and night until the repairs are finalized. The city expects the automated system to return to normal operation by early next week.

The takeaway

When automated warning systems experience electrical damage, fail-safe protocols prioritize public safety by mandating manual horn usage. Residents can monitor local government communications for notifications regarding the resumption of official quiet zone operations.