Chicago suburb and CN reach deal over train expansion

CHICAGO — CN Rail is hoping an agreement with the City of Joliet will convince other Chicago area suburbs to accept the Canadian railway’s proposed acquisition of the Elgin, Joliet & Eastern Railway Company.

The agreement is meant to mitigate the impact on communities as a result of increased train traffic along the rail line between Chicago and Gary, Ind. It resolves, according to CN, outstanding concerns Joliet has related to quiet zones, operations, and communications surrounding the transaction.

The acquisition of EJ&E is still waiting final approval by the federal Surface Transportation Board (STB). The STB’s Draft Environmental Impact Statement encourages voluntary agreements between CN and regional communities.

While there are reports, CN is on the verge of similar agreements with a handful of other cities, leaders of most communities on the EJ&E line continue to oppose the takeover by the Montreal-based railway.

They contend that more rail traffic — expected to be in the form of 20 additional freight cars — would lower quality of life and increase pollution.

CN is attempting to resolve outstanding issues with
other communities affected by its deal with EJ&E.

According to local media, if the STB doesn’t issue a verdict on the deal by October 15, CN will petition the U.S. Court of Appeals to force a decision so CN can close the deal by the end of the year.

But CN is clearly hoping further compromises like the one with the City of Joliet will get the deal moving forward without legal intervention.

"We believe this will be the first of many agreements between CN and the communities along the EJ&E line that are impacted by this transaction," stated Gordon T. Trafton Senior Vice-President, Southern Region. “We have consistently been willing to work with and address the concerns of communities across the region. We believe this agreement with Joliet is evidence that these concerns can be mitigated.

"The purchase of the EJ&E will have far-reaching economic and transportation benefits to the Chicago region and the nation, and we are eager to continue our negotiations with other communities," Trafton said.