Stuck Train Horn Disrupts West Side Residents' Sleep

Metra says they received multiple calls about the horn blaring overnight in Humboldt Park.

Published on Mar. 7, 2026

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Residents in Chicago's West Side were kept awake overnight due to a stuck train horn blaring from a Metra train yard near California and Chicago Avenue in Humboldt Park. Metra said they received multiple calls about the loud horn and sent at least two mechanics to try to stop the sound, which was eventually shut off just before 6 a.m.

Why it matters

Loud noises from trains, especially during overnight hours, can significantly disrupt the sleep and quality of life for nearby residents. This incident highlights the importance of proper maintenance and responsiveness from transit authorities to address issues that impact local communities.

The details

The horn on a Metra train became stuck in the 'on' position at the train yard, leading to the loud blaring sound that kept West Side residents awake overnight. Metra sent multiple mechanics to the site to try to stop the horn, and they were eventually able to shut it off just before 6 a.m.

  • The horn began blaring overnight on March 7, 2026.
  • The horn was shut off just before 6 a.m. on March 7, 2026.

The players

Metra

The commuter rail system serving the Chicago metropolitan area.

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The takeaway

This incident underscores the need for transit authorities to have robust maintenance and responsiveness protocols to quickly address issues that can significantly impact nearby residents, especially during overnight hours when noise disruptions can be most disruptive to sleep and quality of life.