The Gazette offers audio versions of articles using Instaread. Some words may be mispronounced.

CEDAR RAPIDS — In 2017, Cedar Rapids officials first announced plans to create railroad quiet zones downtown — an area where several trains a day currently make significant horn noise at railroad crossings.

The first phase of the project, at a cost of about $6.3 million, was initially projected to be complete in 2022. But setbacks piled up, including delays caused by the COVID-19 pandemic and materials shortages.

Earlier this year, however, it looked like the end finally was in sight. Cedar Rapids City Engineer Ken DeKeyser said at that time that he hoped to see the first quiet zone formally established this fall.

What’s happened since

More delays have pushed back the project’s completio

See Full Page