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Post by momof3 on Dec 3, 2007 10:30:39 GMT -6
More info on the EJ&E sale - this sounds like good news.
Impact study needed before EJ&E sale
Could delay pending deal for 18 months
December 3, 2007By CINDY WOJDYLA CAIN The herald News
The U.S. Surface Transportation Board has put the brakes on the proposed sale of the Elgin, Joliet and Eastern Railroad to Canadian National Railway Co.
The agency said last week that it will conduct a full environmental impact study as it reviews CN's plan to buy the U.S. Steel-owned EJ&E for $300 million. Without the environmental impact study, a decision on the business aspects of the sale could have come by April. But the EIS could take 18 months to several years, according to the Surface Transportation Board.
Several communities along the rail route have opposed the acquisition because they are concerned about increased train traffic that could block roads and increase noise and air pollution in their towns.
CN spokesman Jim Kvedaras said the company would have preferred an environmental analysis, which would have taken less time, to a full environmental impact study.
"It's their call," he said of the Surface Transportation Board. "It's their process and their rules."
Kvedaras said the company still hopes to get a decision some time in 2008.
Canadian National wants to buy the EJ&E so it can re-route traffic around congested tracks in Chicago. The EJ&E stretches 198 miles from Waukegan in the north to Gary, Ind., in the east.
The line has been proposed as a possible commuter rail route that would link Joliet with O'Hare International Airport, with rail stations in Aurora, Naperville, Elgin and other communities.
The agency outlined what will happen next. First, a draft environmental impact study will be prepared. The public will have 45 days to comment on the draft. Then a final impact statement will be prepared that will respond to the public comments and include recommendations for environmental mitigation.
The deadline for notices of intent to participate in the proceedings is Dec. 13.
The deadline is Jan. 28 for all comments, protests, requests for conditions, and any other evidence and argument in opposition to the primary application or related filings.
Sun-Times News Group
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Post by bob on Dec 3, 2007 10:57:13 GMT -6
I saw an article where someone said the trains would increase by 4 fold. I'll see if I can find it.
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Post by momto4 on Dec 3, 2007 10:58:38 GMT -6
I thought I read they would increase more than that - from 6 to 28 maybe? In any case, it would be a mess for a lot of us and I hope it continues to be delayed.
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Post by Arch on Dec 3, 2007 10:58:48 GMT -6
As long as it's not a train wal-mart everything should be fine.
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Post by proschool on Dec 3, 2007 17:51:18 GMT -6
I don't know how to fight a railroad.
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Post by rew on Dec 3, 2007 19:06:57 GMT -6
People need to email their concerns to the Naperville and Aurora City Councils if they would like a voice in this. The cities along the route would have the resources to protest.
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Post by casey on Dec 3, 2007 20:48:15 GMT -6
I'm curious if the city of Naperville has been actively involved in their opposition to such a sale. Does anyone know? From what I read in the paper, Barrington was extremely vocal in their opposition and may in fact be the primary reason that the whole thing just wasn't rubber-stamped. Kudos to Barrington! I hope the city of Naperville is paying attention and doing their own research. As someone pointed out, the number of trains was expected to be increased from 6 to 28-29. That's crazy! Imagine what that does to some of those crazy intersections?!
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Post by momof3 on Dec 3, 2007 20:53:25 GMT -6
Marcie Schatz seems to be the contact for Naperville
Bells and whistles
Communities along EJ&E railway brace for increased train traffic
November 23, 2007
By CINDY WOJDYLA CAIN The Herald News
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Naperville's plans
Marcie Schatz, director of transportation, engineering and development for the city of Naperville, said city staff plans to meet with Canadian National late next week to talk more about the railroad's plans for the EJ&E tracks.
There are several crossings in Naperville, where the tracks cross Diehl Road, Ogden Avenue, 83rd Avenue, Wolf's Crossing Road and 111th Street, Schatz said.
"We're concerned about the impact of train traffic at these at-grade crossings," Schatz said.
The city also wants to make sure Canadian National is interested in moving forward with the STAR Line, a commuter rail line planned in cooperation with Metra that would use the EJ&E tracks.
"They're significantly increasing the number of hazardous material carloads, so we want to understand more about that," Schatz said.
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Post by title1parent on Dec 3, 2007 20:59:28 GMT -6
I know that the City of Aurora was trying to get a Quiet Zone proposal through BEFORE this surprise. Add 28 trains to that track. I time my drive now to make sure I have enough time to get my daughter to school BEFORE the train comes. This will become a nightmare. We also were looking to get a sidewalk put in by the tracks because a lot of people walk to the businesses near there. It is very dangerous at the crossing. I am sure that will be put on the back burner for a while.
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Post by sam2 on Dec 4, 2007 8:04:49 GMT -6
There are several crossings in Naperville, where the tracks cross Diehl Road, Ogden Avenue, 83rd Avenue, Wolf's Crossing Road and 111th Street, Schatz said. "We're concerned about the impact of train traffic at these at-grade crossings," Schatz said. The city also wants to make sure Canadian National is interested in moving forward with the STAR Line, a commuter rail line planned in cooperation with Metra that would use the EJ&E tracks. --------------------- Hasn't Naperville already purchased land for the Star line station and won't passenger traffic add considerable volume to the line? Is everyone's concern that freight trains block a crossing longer than a passenger train, or is it more a function of traffic is already bad, let's not make it worse? Personally, I'd love to have public transit to the north from Naperville. |
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Post by momof3 on Dec 4, 2007 9:31:48 GMT -6
There are several crossings in Naperville, where the tracks cross Diehl Road, Ogden Avenue, 83rd Avenue, Wolf's Crossing Road and 111th Street, Schatz said. "We're concerned about the impact of train traffic at these at-grade crossings," Schatz said. The city also wants to make sure Canadian National is interested in moving forward with the STAR Line, a commuter rail line planned in cooperation with Metra that would use the EJ&E tracks. --------------------- Hasn't Naperville already purchased land for the Star line station and won't passenger traffic add considerable volume to the line? Is everyone's concern that freight trains block a crossing longer than a passenger train, or is it more a function of traffic is already bad, let's not make it worse? Personally, I'd love to have public transit to the north from Naperville. I don't think the city has completed the purchase of the STAR line property. Does anyone know where this is? It's got to be somewhere close to the Macom property. 95th Street Park and RideThe issue: The council will vote on whether to approve the purchase price of 2.5 acres for the future STAR Line site, in addition to authorizing an amendment of the city's capital improvement program to allow for land acquisition and construction of the 95th Street Park and Ride by the fall of 2008. What it means: The city has been working on acquiring a 20-acre site near the EJ&E Railroad in the vicinity of 95th Street to one day provide a STAR Line station location. In the near future, the city wants to provide a 214-space Park and Ride location that would allow for bus service to the Route 59 train station. The 2.5 acres would be purchased at $653,400, part of which would be paid for by a federal funding grant. Federal grants would also pay for a portion of the park and ride's construction. |
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Post by rew on Dec 4, 2007 9:41:47 GMT -6
This is north of the proposed 95th st extension, a strip of land adjacent to the RR tracks
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Post by wvhsparent on Dec 17, 2007 9:02:01 GMT -6
Battle brewing over EJ&E railroad plans
If Canadian National takes over, what will it mean for suburbs?
By Marni Pyke | Daily Herald Staff
Published: 12/16/2007 11:56 PM | Updated: 12/17/2007 8:30 AM
The Canadian National Railway's takeover of the EJ&E railroad is still in its infancy, but growing pains are already starting.
The purchase could have a wide-ranging impact across the suburbs, from increasing freight trains in some towns and reducing them in others, to potentially threatening the long-awaited STAR line rail system.
CN's plans, still contingent on federal government approval, include spending $100 million to improve and expand capacity on the EJ&E.
But shifting a number of freight trains using crowded CN tracks to EJ&E lines is sparking controversy.
It's a potential nightmare for communities that would experience a huge spike in the freights through their towns.
"It will be a huge impact on us; it's not something minimal," Barrington Village President Karen Darch said.
For towns such as Buffalo Grove that could see freight traffic decrease, it's welcome news.
"There is a yin that goes with the yang," Buffalo Grove Trustee Jeff Berman said.
CN's proposals also may affect Metra, which intends to locate its STAR Line connecting Cook, DuPage and Will counties along the EJ&E.
With extra freights anticipated on the EJ&E, Canadian National contends STAR trains can't piggyback on existing track, but it would allow additional track in the right-of-way.
Some suburban leaders worry the move will be the death of the STAR Line.
But CN officials counter their plan will reduce rail congestion in the region.
And that's needed relief, said James LaBelle, vice president of Chicago Metropolis 2020, a regional public policy group.
"Overall, there's a potential significant regional benefit in terms of the ability to handle freight train movement in a more efficient way," LaBelle said.
Making tracks
Canadian National announced it intended to buy the Elgin, Joliet and Eastern Railway Co. for $300 million in September from U.S. Steel Corp. The company first must obtain the blessing of the U.S. Surface Transportation Board and undergo an environmental analysis that could take from 18 months to a few years.
Board officials noted the environmental impact study was needed because of the traffic increases on certain lines. The first deadline for the public to comment on CN's proposal is Jan. 28.
The EJ&E, makes a half circle around the western metropolitan region, intersecting with CN routes.
A Canadian National report states the EJ&E, which is used sparingly for industries such as U.S. Steel, will provide the "missing link" in connecting lines that converge in Chicago and get backed up.
"This is a privately funded resolution of a regional congestion," CN spokesman Jim Kvedaras said.
Ultimately, 34 municipalities will see more trains and 80 will see less, the company predicts.
In Cook County, towns near the North Central Metra line south of Vernon Hills could get about 17 fewer freights a day, CN said. Winners in the freight lottery may include Buffalo Grove and Des Plaines.
This could allow for more commuter trains and "be helpful for surface congestion," said Berman, also a member of the Northwest Municipal Conference transportation committee. The village is expected to hear a presentation from Canadian National today.
But Buffalo Grove's gain could be Barrington's loss.
The village has formed the Barrington Communities Against CN Rail Congestion group with eight other municipalities and townships.
The purchase could mean 15 more freights a day on the EJ&E compared to a handful now. This will disrupt schools and delay ambulances at grade crossings, opponents say.
"It definitely will create a negative impact on our community," Darch said.
U.S. Rep. Don Manzullo also added his voice to the chorus of disapproval.
The Egan Republican wrote the Surface Transportation Board noting that more freight trains crossing Route 14, Route 59 and Lake-Cook Road in Barrington will disrupt driving in McHenry County.
'Triple' traffic
The concerns are echoed in west DuPage. Communities that could experience significantly more freights are West Chicago, Aurora, Naperville, Warrenville and Wayne.
The spike, in some cases more than 20 freights a day, prompted protests from DuPage County Board Chairman Robert Schillerstrom, who announced the county will notify the national board of its concerns.
"We're very concerned. If suddenly the EJ&E has a tremendous amount of traffic -- there's a lot of at-grade crossings in DuPage, and this could snarl traffic and cause safety issues," Schillerstrom said.
In Naperville, "from the preliminary numbers we've seen, freight traffic will at least triple, and the hazardous materials that will be hauled will be even more than that," city engineer Bill Novack said. "Our largest concern is the traffic congestion that will cause."
Towns in the northern half of DuPage, such as Villa Park, Elmhurst, Addison, would be hearing a few less train whistles, Kvedaras responded.
"We like to note more communities will have less trains running through them. This won't help the Napervilles of the world, but there are benefits," he said.
"Be advised at the end of the day, the railroads don't make this stuff, they move this stuff. Our customers are the region's employers."
Falling STAR?
The STAR Line would take riders down the Northwest Tollway, I-90, then near Hoffman Estates head south to Joliet along the EJ&E tracks. It would link about 100 communities and connect with O'Hare International Airport. Uncertain funding, however, has made the project at least a decade off.
Schillerstrom and others fear if CN won't accommodate the STAR Line on its tracks, the vulnerable project could falter.
"If suddenly you have all this freight traffic, it will kill the STAR Line, and that could be a double whammy," Schillerstrom said.
Leaders with the Northwest Municipal Conference, which has Cook, Lake and McHenry county members, concur.
CN's plan "has the potential to increase the costs substantially if Metra is expected to construct a new railway," transportation program manager Mike Walczak said.
Metra officials won't go that far but acknowledged laying more track than anticipated will affect the more than $1.1 billion cost of the STAR Line.
"Building track is extremely expensive," Metra spokeswoman Judy Pardonnet said.
CN's conditions could change "the scope of the project, but I don't think anyone here thinks that will kill it," she added.
Kvedaras said CN is only being pragmatic.
"It's in their and our best interest to be on separate tracks," he explained.
But that's not to say Metra can't use additional space next to the tracks for the STAR line, Kvedaras added.
Pardonnet said it's too early to speculate and noted Metra has a good working relationship with CN.
"If they don't want us to use it, we'll act accordingly at the appropriate time," she said. "Right now, they don't even own it, so it's not as if we can make a hard-core agreement."
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Post by momto4 on Dec 17, 2007 10:09:23 GMT -6
It doesn't help us at all that other areas will see fewer trains. Our roads and traffic patterns are not set up to handle the additional trains at all the grade level crossings and I'm glad that there are people concerned about the impact. We cross the Diehl and Liberty tracks several dozen times each week. I would like to see plans for over/underpasses if this plan goes through.
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Post by 204parent on Dec 17, 2007 17:23:35 GMT -6
It doesn't help us at all that other areas will see fewer trains. Our roads and traffic patterns are not set up to handle the additional trains at all the grade level crossings and I'm glad that there are people concerned about the impact. We cross the Diehl and Liberty tracks several dozen times each week. I would like to see plans for over/underpasses if this plan goes through. More over/underpasses could make this a win/win proposal. |
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