Blackberry officials appreciate help

Recently, Blackberry Township and Kane County were notified by Union Pacific Railroad of its intention to close crossings at Pouley Road, LaFox Road and Brundage Road. The railroad asked for a meeting to discuss the matter but said it also would petition the Illinois Commerce Commission for permission to move forward with the closures.

Our township offices were contacted the following day by our Kane County Board representative Jan Carlson, who is also County Transportation Committee Chairman. Jan shared our concern about the impact of the closures, and suggested we host the meeting with UP to make our opinion known and push for alternative solutions.

As a result, area leaders met with officials from the railroad and Illinois Commerce Commission at the Blackberry Township building. In addition to the signers of this letter and Carlson, meeting participants included state Rep. Pat Lindner, Board Chairman Karen McConnaughay, Fire Chief Kelly Callahan, Brian Vrcruyssse of the Illinois Commerce Commission and several railroad officials. We made substantial progress.

County leaders encouraged the railroad to review each crossing individually and to search for innovative ways to meet the needs of motorists and the community. In the case of Brundage Road, for example, the county asked the railroad to consider an underpass at the crossing because of its strategic importance to the Settlements of LaFox and the need for a quiet zone. Leaders also noted that an agreement with the county requires the developer to reconstruct the crossing, including widening, new gates and the installation of all appurtenances needed for a quiet zone.

Given the healthy conversation, the railroad agreed to continue working with local leaders and not petition for closings at this time. Clearly, we still must agree on a long-term strategy and will notify our constituents of any developments and of opportunities to make their voices heard. More than the immediate issue, though, this chain of events highlights what is possible when leaders at various levels of government and public service come together to meet a need.

We very much appreciate Chairman McConnaughay and Representative Lindner giving their urgent attention to this matter. And we thank Jan Carlson for swiftly bringing leaders to the table to address the situation before it became a problem for our residents.

Dave Anderson,

Blackberry Township

Supervisor

Rod Feece,

Blackberry Township Road Commissioner

Tom Reynolds,

Elburn & Countryside Fire Protection District