Opinion

We should use clout to get train bypasses

Posted December 30, 2008 10:00 pm

President-elect Obama (Illinois). President-elect chief of staff Rahm Emanuel (Illinois). Senate Majority Whip Dick Durbin (Illinois). Secretary of Transportation Ray LaHood (Illinois).

Sure looks like there's enough Illinois politicians in elected offices to make a difference in helping mitigate the effects of the Canadian National's purchase of the E.J.&E. railroad right of way. CN claimed that without the approval of the sale their continued use of their rights of way through the heart of the metropolitan area would eventually choke freight traffic to the detriment of the local, state and national economies. Given the importance of this expedited route to all facets of our economy is it not too much to ask for Obama's stimulus package to support the necessary mitigation needs, i.e. over and/or underpasses and grade improvements? It maybe an earmark/pork to the ears of some people but 2-mile long freight trains tying up intersections for 10 minutes or more is a serious imposition on the communities that are being asked to suffer these monster trains.

Steve Sarich

Grayslake

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