Increasingly Loud Noise Coming From Railroad Reported In Hillsborough

HILLSBOROUGH, NJ — Relief could soon be coming to residents who have noticed louder train noise coming from railroad tracks in Hillsborough.

The louder noises are linked to aging tracks, which have developed uneven rails, in turn creating stronger vibrations and more noise as trains pass through the area, a representative from Norfolk Southern Railroad told the Township.

"While this can be disruptive, there are no safety concerns regarding the integrity of the line. Unfortunately, the noise is a byproduct of the aging tracks," according to Hillsborough Township.

To address the issue, Norfolk Southern plans to update the rails in the township. The work had originally been scheduled for last fall, but the timeline was delayed because of weather and the prioritization of emergency repairs in other locations.

The township said Norfolk Southern has now indicated that work will officially resume in late May. The project is expected to be completed by August.

The upgrade includes the installation of new rails, which the township said should noticeably reduce noise levels for nearby residents.

In addition to the rail replacement, road crossings throughout the township are scheduled to be repaved during the final stages of the project in mid-to-late summer. That work is expected to happen as the broader track project moves toward completion.

"We appreciate the community’s patience as we work with the railroad to ensure a smoother, quieter environment for everyone," according to the Township.