Des Plaines s-curve could be CN ticket

Des Plaines aldermen Tuesday night heard from railroad representatives promising a decrease in train traffic through town under a proposed $300 million railroad purchase.

Still, at least one alderman is seeking more concessions from Canadian National Railway Co.

Third Ward Alderman Laura Murphy asked CN spokesman Jim Kvedaras if the railroad would be willing to see to fruition a project to straighten the S-curve along Northwest Highway. She made the request, citing a deal the railroad recently reached with Joliet to pay for track improvements.

Built in 1930, Des Plaines' bridge hovers over Northwest Highway at a point where the road snakes. The S-curve sits under a railroad diamond - where three tracks converge - and through the years has been blamed for damage to cars that became crash pads for dropping debris. Work was done a few years ago to stabilize the bridge, but the actual straightening work's $40 million price tag has delayed the project.

CN wants to buy the Elgin, Joliet & Eastern Railway Co. to help decrease freight train traffic on the existing CN tracks and shift trains to the EJ&E line that loops through the outer suburbs. Other suburbs, including Barrington, oppose the deal since it will mean more trains rolling through their towns.

Murphy asked the railroad to help get the S-curve work on track. "In Joliet, you were willing to make concessions," she said.

Kvedaras said that situation was different since Joliet will see increased train traffic, while Des Plaines will see the benefit of fewer trains under the potential deal.

He added that the S-curve work falls under the watch of Illinois Department of Transportation officials.

"It's an IDOT (Illinois Department of Transportation) project," Kvedaras said. "It is not a railroad project."

Mayor Tony Arredia said he plans to be more explicit in a written statement to CN to express the city's interest in the S-curve project.

Later in the meeting, city officials seemed to acquiesce to the idea of never getting that concession from CN.

"He still didn't make a commitment," Murphy said of Kvedaras.

The mayor said he's been trying for years to get the railroads and transportation officials to make a deal, so he understands her frustration. "And we never will, Laura," Arredia said.

Curve: Mayor not optimistic about agreement possibility