Capital Metro approved a quiet-zone construction contract for two Leander intersections Feb. 24. The zone will mitigate regulated train horns in the Transit-Oriented District area.

The contract was awarded to MA Smith Contracting Co. Inc. and totals $495,215, including $45,020 in contingency funds. The city of Leander and Capital Metro began the quiet-zone process in 2017, and
Capital Metro awarded a $100,694 design contract to HNTB, an infrastructure solutions firm, in March, according to Capital Metro.

Regularly, trains must sound horns at least 15 seconds before reaching public grade crossings, according to the Federal Railroad Administration. Quiet zones eliminate this regulation except for "emergency situations or to comply with other Federal regulations or railroad operating rules." In 2018, Round Rock similarly created these zones.

Quiet-zone construction includes two highway-rail grade crossings at Metro Drive and San Gabriel Parkway in Leander's TOD area. Northline, a 114-acre, mixed-use development, is within the district and will break ground March 4.

The city of Leander will reimburse 50% of the total costs to Capital Metro, according to Capital Metro, and this part will cost about $297,954, including design costs.