EJ&E comments extended

People interested in weighing in on the Canadian National Railway's acquisition of the EJ&E railroad now have until Feb. 15 to give their opinion. CN hopes to buy the EJ&E, which stretches roughly from Waukegan to Gary, but its plan needs approval from the U.S. Surface Transportation Board first. CN is hoping to relieve freight congestion on its tracks in the Chicago region by moving trains to the EJ&E tracks. That proposal has generated much reaction, both in opposition and support, from communities along CN and EJ&E tracks. The board is preparing an environmental assessment of the purchase. The original deadline for comments was Friday. For information on the issue, contact the STB at (800) 347-0689.