What is a wayside horn?

Question

I heard of them but never seen one here in Los Angeles what are they and are they annoying or are they a good use

Answer 1

Yes indeed, Rango's right.  You may not even realize it, but you've probably been hearing recorded crossing bells played through a speaker for some time now.  No moving parts. Therefore less susceptible to failure.

Speaking of failure, crossing protection is not fail-safe, contrary to popular misconception.  Always look and listen, crossing protection or no.

Here's your safety star.

Answer 2

Come back to my room and you'll find out

Answer 3

It appears they are an experimental alternative to trains blowing the horn at all crossings.

Instead of just bells ringing at crossing locations, there are also horns there, and apparently they are focused toward oncoming traffic, thus (in theroy) reducing noise pollution to surrounding areas.

It is an attempt to focus and concentrate the sound patterns to where it is actually needed.

It looks to be a way of reducing rather than expanding on the use of train horns in congested areas.