BELLINGHAM, WA (MyBellinghamNow.com) – A popular Bellingham trail will be temporarily closed while the city continues its work to reduce noise from trains.

The Bellingham Parks and Recreation Department says the South Bay Trail will be closed at the Boulevard Park railroad tracks starting at 9 a.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 11.

The closure is part of the city’s effort to develop a quiet zone in the area, where trains are not required to sound their horns. Bellingham is in the process of establishing two quiet zone areas: one in Fairhaven and one at the waterfront.

All 11 railroad crossings that fall within both areas need to undergo safety improvements in order to meet federal regulations for quiet zones. So far, five of the 11 still need to be upgraded, including the crossing at Boulevard Park.

Detour signs will direct pedestrians to State Street and Bayview Drive while South Bay trail is closed for construction.