STEVENS POINT, Wis (WSAU) A railroad crossing quiet zone begins in Stevens Point today.

Six railroad crossings in the city are part of the new quiet zones, where upgraded crossing gates and flashing lights are in place. Trains passing through will no longer blow their horns. The quiet zone will stretch nearly five miles within the city limits, from Hoover Road to West Clark Street.

Stevens Point had debated a quiet zone since 2003. To qualify, both side of a railroad crossing need to be gated to keep cars from going around while a train is approaching. Some crossings were realligened to give a better view of approaching trains.

There were no comments against the quiet zone over the last 60-days, so the new 'no horn' rules take effect today.