EJ&E sale

[indyvoter]

What does this have to do with the school? If we are worried about traffic impact and it's relation to 95th Street, wouldn't we conclude that there is a danger to send kids across the tracks in the district no matter where you are traveling. Additionally, the amount of traffic at 75th St. and Rt. 59 is 1000% greater then what is to come at 95th and Wolf's crossing. And lastly, from all accounts, it will take 10 years+ until that thing is every worked out, meaning, there will be no train station for some time. By that time, if the school goes there, then the safety issues are the same.

York High school in Elmhurst, large school - runs up against train tracks to the point where football field is on the other side of the tracks. Glenbard high school has the tracks along side the h.s.

[gatormom]

indyvoter said:

What does this have to do with the school? If we are worried about traffic impact and it's relation to 95th Street, wouldn't we conclude that there is a danger to send kids across the tracks in the district no matter where you are traveling. Additionally, the amount of traffic at 75th St. and Rt. 59 is 1000% greater then what is to come at 95th and Wolf's crossing. And lastly, from all accounts, it will take 10 years+ until that thing is every worked out, meaning, there will be no train station for some time. By that time, if the school goes there, then the safety issues are the same.

York High school in Elmhurst, large school - runs up against train tracks to the point where football field is on the other side of the tracks. Glenbard high school has the tracks along side the h.s.

It impacts our children crossing the tracks to get to schools. Some of us in the middle of the district have only at-grade crossings. Adding 26 trains a day is significant. It impacts buses crossing, teenagers driving to and from school, and the traffic on some of the roads such as Montgomery (83rd) or Ogden, those with at-grade crossings.

This impacts or district no matter where Metea is built.

[lacy]

indyvoter said:

What does this have to do with the school? If we are worried about traffic impact and it's relation to 95th Street, wouldn't we conclude that there is a danger to send kids across the tracks in the district no matter where you are traveling. Additionally, the amount of traffic at 75th St. and Rt. 59 is 1000% greater then what is to come at 95th and Wolf's crossing. And lastly, from all accounts, it will take 10 years+ until that thing is every worked out, meaning, there will be no train station for some time. By that time, if the school goes there, then the safety issues are the same.

York High school in Elmhurst, large school - runs up against train tracks to the point where football field is on the other side of the tracks. Glenbard high school has the tracks along side the h.s.

Good points indyvoter. I think people get "concerned" about the train tracks when it suits their argument. Meanwhile, these same people probably cross the tracks umpteen times per day to do other things. But suddenly, it might be dangerous for Johnny to do so to go to school. Could it be they prefer another high school location?

[indyvoter]

If I remember right, most of the traffic coming to BB was not crossing the tracks, the majority at least. Then, if Macom is a site that is considered, here again the majority is not crossing the tracks between their route to and from school. But if the school is up North, then loads of communities will have a route up North away from the area.

[gatormom]

Let me try one more time to explain why this is an important topic for discussion. This is about the impact of additional train traffic on that line, its impact on our schools and neighborhoods.

While it may not impact you, it does those of us living around that line. Without over or underpasses, travel in this district is made far more difficult if changes are not made and this sale goes through.

[indyvoter]

Yes, I agree. But this is affecting all students, no matter where the school is built...

[gatormom]

Communities debate impact of EJ&E sale
Canada National purchase would increase rail traffic

December 18, 2007
By KATHY CICHON
Naperville Sun

As Canadian National Railway continues to work toward gaining the approval of the U.S. Surface Transportation Board for the purchase of the Elgin, Joliet and Eastern Railroad, area communities continue to express concerns about the effect of the sale.

Should the sale go through, train traffic in the area is expected to increase from 15.7 trains per day to 42.3 trains.

"It's a fairly significant increase," said Andy Hynes, project engineer with the city of Naperville. "One of the main issues is we have a lot of at-grade crossings."

More trains running through the area means more time with crossing gates down, allowing traffic to back up.

"There's other implications as well, such as emergency vehicle access, noise and other impacts of the proposed acquisition," Hynes said.

In addition, the number of hazardous materials carloads is projected to increase from 43.4 to 379.3 annually.

"We want to understand more about the hazardous materials," said Marcie Schatz, director of Transportation, Engineering and Development for the city.

By and large a lot of the communities' concerns are related to safety, "just by virtue of having so many trains out there," said Jim Kvedaras, senior manager of U.S. government and public affairs for Canadian Railway. Representatives from Canadian National have been meeting with officials from the various communities along the EJ&E railway.

Currently Naperville is working with the cities of Aurora and Warrenville, along with the Illinois Commerce Commission and EJ&E, in pursuing a quiet zone along the route. However, signal system upgrades would need to be made at two crossings - 83rd and 87th streets - before an application can be submitted. Hynes said.

In the meantime, Naperville will stay in contact with surrounding communities as Canadian National goes through the environmental study process, Hynes said. Earlier this month the STB decided it wants a full environmental impact study from Canadian Railway before making a decision on whether to allow the purchase to move forward.

"We don't know how many months it will extend the process," Kvedaras said. "We are cautiously optimistic we could get a decision in 2008."

The public comment period on the sales transaction itself ends Jan. 28, Kvedaras said. After the environmental impact study is completed, another public comment period will take place, he said.


STAR line a concern

Another area of concern for area officials is the effect the purchase of the EJ&E by Canadian Railway could have on the proposed STAR Line.
"They would like to see it on a separate railway, which would dramatically increase the cost of the STAR Line," Schatz said.

Last week DuPage County Chairman Robert Schillerstrom, R-Naperville, also expressed concerns about the impact on the STAR Line, which would run from Joliet to O'Hare Airport. Naperville is slated to have two stations along the line, one at 95th Street, the other at North Aurora Road.

"The STAR line is a critical suburb-to-suburb transit option that has widespread support regionally, as well as federally, and is already in the alternative analysis stage," Schillerstrom said in a statement. "I would oppose any project that would affect the work we've already started on this critical congestion relief project."

He also voiced concerns about the increased number of trains and their affect on safety, traffic, noise and air pollution. Last week he sent a letter to the STB asking that DuPage County be added as a party of record in the deliberations.

Any decisions on the matter though, Kvedaras said, would be premature.

"Until the STB gives us a decision, we don't have anything to say one way or another what's going to take place," he said.

He said Canadian National continues "to work with Metra, looking for a way for us to peacefully coexist."

Kvedaras said he understands the municipalities' concerns, as they have to plan far ahead in making sure they have land set aside for the future line. But from a private business perspective, it's very conceptual, he said.

"Even though it's not the most popular position from a public perspective, at least they understand where we're coming from," Kvedaras said.

[wvhsparent]

indyvoter said:

What does this have to do with the school? If we are worried about traffic impact and it's relation to 95th Street, wouldn't we conclude that there is a danger to send kids across the tracks in the district no matter where you are traveling. Additionally, the amount of traffic at 75th St. and Rt. 59 is 1000% greater then what is to come at 95th and Wolf's crossing. And lastly, from all accounts, it will take 10 years+ until that thing is every worked out, meaning, there will be no train station for some time. By that time, if the school goes there, then the safety issues are the same.

York High school in Elmhurst, large school - runs up against train tracks to the point where football field is on the other side of the tracks. Glenbard high school has the tracks along side the h.s.

welcome indyvoter.

This grouping is for items in the news that affect the area (Mostly 204) in general, as this does.
We do discuss other things here too on occasion.
If you see things in the news that you would like discussed, this is the place for it. We even have the off-topic area, which I am sure you have seen, where just about anything about anything can go (within reason).

[wvhsparent]

Quit wailing, start seeing rail partnerships
Published: 12/19/200 12:19 AM
The underused Elgin, Joliet & Eastern Railway Co. has a suitor, flush with cash and willing to help fix the freight gridlock afflicting Chicago and the Midwest.

So what do Illinoisans do when they hear the Canadian National Railway wants to buy the EJ&E? They complain. About traffic impediments. About inconvenience. About noise. About how it might affect the STAR commuter rail line. This is not leadership. It's wailing at the exclusion of good sense.

"This is a privately funded resolution of a regional congestion," CN spokesman Jim Kvedaras said. And therefore a resolution beneficial to all in the metro area.

Let's accept reality here. CN estimates 34 municipalities would have more trains, but 80 would have fewer. And no municipal leader can stop this sale if it moves forward, no matter how loud they complain about too many at-grade crossings or train whistles.

"This could snarl traffic and cause safety issues," DuPage County Board Chairman Bob Schillerstrom said.

Indeed it could. Which is why we can only hope it is surprise that keeps area leaders from rushing to Canadian Northern, which obviously has plenty of cash, with plans and proposals for above- or below-grade crossings at the busiest or most dangerous intersections of locomotives and cars. Growth outstripped the modernity of rail crossings in the metro area decades ago and this could be just the chance to fix some of them. At the very least, leaders could attempt to cut deals to stop late-night whistles or promote safer crossings.

Metra's STAR commuter line would run from O'Hare Airport west along I-90 before turning south between Elgin and Hoffman Estates and running along the EJ&E line to DuPage County. It would be a real boon to commuter rail service in the suburbs. But, yes, the STAR plan indeed may need to be altered as a result of Canadian Northern's plan to step up freight use of that line if it consummates the $300 million purchase from U.S. Steel.

CN already has offered to allow Metra to build the STAR line on its right of way, but if STAR proponents don't see this as opportunity, they aren't thinking straight. Like everything in Illinois, STAR funding has always been vague. So why shouldn't supporters beat a path to CN's door with plans for an ultra-modern train scheduling system that would allow freight and commuters to run on a unified line with shared costs? Or lobbying it to become an integral part of STAR henceforth?

It is possible, of course, that CN won't be interested in modernizing grade crossings or being part of a major commuter rail project. But it's just as possible it could be interested in any worthwhile projects that support its primary interest -- healthy, efficient railroads.

Far better to ask than to whine as a transportation opportunity whizzes past.

[EagleDad]

WOW - it looks like someone is really itching for a fight.

OK, bring it on CN, I'm game.

Take off, you Hosers!!!

[wvhsparent]

The LTE alomost made it sound like they are considering putting in a 2nd track.....Whoa! I think if they were considering it Aurora should insist on an over/underpass for all crossings.

[bob]

They are considering a second track.

[d204mom]

Have your say on possible takeover of EJ&E railway
By Marni Pyke | Daily Herald Staff
Published: 1/4/2008 12:25 AM

Communities who stand to lose or gain by the Canadian National Railway's proposed takeover of the EJ&E railway can sound off this month.

If the Canadian railway's acquisition goes forward, CN intends to shift freight trains from its own congested tracks to lesser-used EJ&E lines. Such a plan would have a ripple effect across Cook, DuPage, Lake and Will counties, plus potentially threaten Metra's STAR Line plans.

But before any decisions are made, federal regulators first must report on the environmental impact of the changes. As a result, the U.S. Surface Transportation Board will hold several public forums across the region.

Already battle lines are being drawn, with municipalities from Barrington to Naperville rallying to stop additional freights in their communities.

At the same time, municipalities such as Buffalo Grove hope CN will bring needed relief by reducing train traffic locally.

Metra had planned to connect Will, Cook and DuPage counties along its proposed STAR Line using the EJ&E tracks. But CN officials intend to keep the tracks for freights, raising new questions for Metra.

Here's a look at upcoming local open houses. Hours are from 1 to 4 p.m. and from 6 to 8 p.m.

• Tuesday at the Crown Plaza, 510 E. Route 83, Mundelein.

• Wednesday at Makray Memorial Golf Club, 1010 S. Northwest Highway, Barrington.

• Thursday at Jacob Henry Mansion, 15 S. Richards St., Joliet.

• Jan. 17 at St. Andrews Golf Club, 3N441 Route 59, West Chicago.

[slp]

I am confused on some issues and how they affect our area....If anyone knows the answers please chime in.

Will fighting against increased freighter traffic stop the plans for Metra to have a station near 248th street or are these separate issues?

Will increased freight traffic automatically REQUIRE the state or city to install above grade crossings at certain locations?

I would think that the additional freight traffic cannot be a good thing for our area but I do not know enough about it to have a firm opinion. If anyone with knowledge can shedd some light on this I would appreciate it.

ETA: I found it interesting that the Scullen email news today mentioned this issue and told residents where they could attend info meetings to find out more. Is this an ominous sign? Does admin. must feel this is something we all need to be concerned about?

[momto4]

slp said:

I am confused on some issues and how they affect our area....If anyone knows the answers please chime in.

Will fighting against increased freighter traffic stop the plans for Metra to have a station near 248th street or are these separate issues?

Will increased freight traffic automatically REQUIRE the state or city to install above grade crossings at certain locations?

I would think that the additional freight traffic cannot be a good thing for our area but I do not know enough about it to have a firm opinion. If anyone with knowledge can shedd some light on this I would appreciate it.

ETA: I found it interesting that the Scullen email news today mentioned this issue and told residents where they could attend info meetings to find out more. Is this an ominous sign? Does admin. must feel this is something we all need to be concerned about?

I don't have any knowledge about this but when does that stop me?

I doubt if the increase in freight traffic will require them to do something about at grade crossings. I am hoping that somehow this can be made as part of the deal for the sale to go through, that they will need to fix these crossings everywhere, starting with the busiest roads.

I have not heard anything from any of the schools about it but I did see the notice in the paper about meetings in several locations - closest to here might be in West Chicago.