Train whistles making some sleepless in Edmonton

People in the northwest community of Carleton are tired of sleepless nights caused by noisy trains, and theyre reaching out to city council for help.

Every time a train rolls past162nd Avenue near 142nd Street, it lets out a loud whistle to warn oncoming traffic.

"It wakes you up at midnight, and at three a.m., and then six a.m., said Kaira Camiwet, who has lived in the neighbourhood for two months with her one-year-old son.

Her new home backs onto the tracks, less than a block away from the offending intersection.

She said she had no idea when she moved in how often the train would come by, or how early in the morning. Many of her neighbours feel the same way.

Next week, the community league will ask city council to step in. The city can appeal to the federal government to silence the loud whistles, but first has to complete a $50,000 study.

They will evaluate the safety and all the different aspects of it, Coun. Bev Esslinger said.

And thats only the first step.Right now, the intersection is not controlled with crossing arms, but they may have to be added if the train doesnt warn people of its approach.

My concern is what will be the real cost? $50,000 gets us started, Esslinger said.

She said silencing the train could cost as much as $500,000.

Esslinger doesnt know who would be responsible for paying for the added safety features if the federal government agrees to stop the whistles from blowing.

Council will discuss the expense at next weeks transportation committee meeting.