Resident Trish Williams Advocates for Atchison Road Railroad Quiet Zone

During the recent Thurston County Board of County Commissioners meeting, residents voiced their concerns about the increasing noise from train horns at the Atchison Road railroad crossing. Trish Williams, a local resident, shared her personal experiences with the disruptive sound, highlighting the impact it has had on her family and community.

Williams described how the train horns, which now require four whistles before reaching the crossing, have transformed from a pleasant background sound into a significant disturbance. She recounted how her elderly mother, who lived nearby, struggled to maintain phone conversations due to the noise, even creating a personal train schedule to manage her calls. This change, she noted, has affected not only her family but also the quality of life for others living close to the tracks.

The discussion around the "quiet zone" request aims to address these noise issues. Residents have provided statistics on train frequency and noise levels, emphasizing the need for solutions that would reduce the sound pollution affecting their daily lives. Williams pointed out that the sound reflects off nearby buildings and the lake, amplifying the disturbance.

The commissioners acknowledged the concerns raised by Williams and other residents, indicating that they would consider the request for a quiet zone seriously. This initiative could lead to a significant improvement in the quality of life for those living near the railroad crossing, allowing them to enjoy their homes without the constant interruption of train horns.

As the meeting concluded, the board emphasized their commitment to addressing community concerns and exploring options that could enhance the living conditions for residents affected by the noise. The next steps will involve further discussions and assessments to determine the feasibility of implementing a quiet zone in the area.