For Immediate Release
Contact:  Jason Gerwig
630/407-6022
December 13, 2008

PROPOSED ACQUISITION OF EJ&E RAILROAD CONCERNS SCHILLERSTROM

Schillerstrom:  Any Discussions on this potential acquisition must include DuPage County

WHEATON—DuPage County Board Chairman Robert J. Schillerstrom is voicing his concern today regarding the proposed acquisition of the EJ&E Railroad by Canadian National Railroad and the negative impacts such a move could have on DuPage County.

Schillerstrom notes that Canadian National is interested in acquiring the EJ&E Railroad in order to bypass Chicago and route their freight trains in the Western suburbs and through communities like Aurora, Naperville, West Chicago, Wayne and Warrenville, where a number of rail crossings are near schools and libraries. 

“I am very, very concerned that the increase in freight train traffic caused by this acquisition would create adverse impacts on the communities along the EJ&E rail line, particularly as it relates to safety at crossings, vehicular travel delays and noise and air quality -- all of which compromise the quality of life our residents have come to enjoy,” said Schillerstrom.  “Given all of these factors, I am opposed to this acquisition.  Also, since I have yet to hear from the Canadian National Railroad, I will be reaching out to them to find out how these impacts will be mitigated, such as the construction of grade separation crossings where EJ&E crosses major roadways.” 

Another concern with this acquisition, notes Schillerstrom, is the negative impact it will have on the STAR line, the proposed suburban rail service running from Joliet to O’Hare International Airport. 

Canadian National has stated they will not allow freight and passenger trains to share the same set of tracks, which means that Metra would have to construct a new line within the right-of-way for passenger service.  This cost, says Schillerstrom, has not been anticipated and could jeopardize the STAR line service.

“The STAR line is a critical suburb-to-suburb transit option that has widespread support regionally, as well as federally, and is already in the alternative analysis stage,” said Schillerstrom.  “I would oppose any project that would affect the work we’ve already started on this critical congestion relief project.”

Schillerstrom believes any discussions on this potential acquisition much include DuPage County, and therefore, he will be filing an official “party of record” that will allow the County to have a voice in deliberations with the Surface Transportation Board regarding this proposal. 

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