Forums begin on EJ&E railway purchase

Federal regulators launched the first of seven public forums on the Canadian National Railway's controversial purchase of the EJ&E railroad Tuesday.

At least 50 people braved the rain for an afternoon session, organizers said, and hundreds more are expected to sound off to U.S. Surface Transportation Board officials this month.

CN last fall announced plans to take over EJ&E, spend $100 million in improvements and switch numerous freight trains from its congested tracks to the new line.

But while some communities will benefit from fewer trains, others are up in arms about the possibility of the noise more freights would bring and the delays at crossings.

Lake County officials who attended the first Surface Transportation Board session in Mundelein called the plans "interesting."

"The whole situation with freight traffic is critical in the Chicago area," county Traffic Coordinator Bruce Christensen said.

"(But) what they're proposing certainly will increase traffic on the EJ&E line and it will have an impact on Lake County residents, particularly in the southwest."

CN intends to pay $300 million for the Elgin, Joliet and Eastern Railway Co. Before the deal can go through, the Surface Transportation Board needs to approve it and part of that process is evaluating the environmental impact on communities.

"We're going out in the communities to hear concerns and use that in our analysis," said Phillis Johnson-Ball, the STB's environmental analysis section deputy chief.

The board can also deny the application or approve it with conditions.

The EJ&E makes a half circle around the metropolitan region, traveling from Waukegan to Gary and crossing Lake, Cook and Will counties.

CN projects 34 towns will see more train traffic and 80 will see less. For example, communities, such as Des Plaines and Buffalo Grove, along a CN track used for Metra's North Central line could see 17 fewer trains a day. But towns in the Barrington area and in west DuPage County could see steep increases.

CN spokesman Jim Kvedaras said, "There is a regional benefit that is not limited to specific community borders. This will address the congestion Chicago has been plagued with for years."

The informal hearings, where the public can ask questions and give comments continue today from 1 to 4 p.m. and from 6 to 8 p.m. at Makray Memorial Golf Club, 1010 S. Northwest Highway, Barrington.

Another session will take place Jan. 17 at St. Andrews Golf Club, 3N441 Route 59, West Chicago.

For more information, call (800) 347-0689.