SCOTTSBLUFF, Neb. (AP) — Scottsbluff’s mayor says he’s frustrated with delays in the federal approval of a “quiet zone” that will silence train horns as they pass through the city.

Mayor Randy Meininger tells KNEB-AM that the government shutdown last fall delayed the Federal Railroad Administration’s consideration of the city’s request.

He says a federal official that has to approve the zone has been on vacation, but that he’s hopeful the approval will come soon.

In a quiet zone, railroads are directed to stop the routine sounding of their horns when approaching public highway-rail grade crossings but may still use them in an emergency.

A federal rule requires cities seeking to establish a quiet zone to take steps to reduce the safety impact from the absence of a horn.