Comment EI-5397
Received or sent (printed as 2/14/2008)
I believe that the proposed increase in freight traffic along the current EJ&E is simply too high. My concerns focus mainly on three issues that will grow worse as a result of increased traffic. They are vehicle traffic congestion, sound pollution, and house vibration. The current at grade crossing on US-34 (Ogden Ave) is already in horrible shape physically, already resulting in traffic needing to slow at the crossing in order to avoid damage to their cars. The unpredictable nature of freight rail traffic already makes traffic back-ups on US 34 burdensome especially at time of rush hour. Traffic Volume of US 34 is very high already, the proposed increases in freight traffic on the EJ&E would worsen an already bad situation. Let's not forget US-34 is a major artery between Aurora (pop~165k) and Naperville (pop~145k). While most people refer to train whistles when mentioning sound pollution, I simply mean the sound of locomotives and train cars. Currently there is no buffer between my residence and somewhat elevated train tracks in my back yard. While quiet zones are nice, it is my understanding that they only apply to train whistles. Obviously the slower the train goes the less noise it makes. I would much rather have a slower train pass through my back yard than one traveling above 35mph. While slower speeds of train traffic would potentially adversely effect the at grade crossing at US 34, I think even time sensitive speed limits could be arranged. For example, train traffic from 6am-10pm can be above a certain MPH, while train traffic between 1001pm and 559am must be lower. Impacts to car traffic would then be minimized, and trains wouldn't be waking me up at night either. The third issue also relates to the speed of trains. My house is situated probably 100 feet from the current single track. Currently when trains speed by, my second story shakes, sometimes quite alot. I am worried about what a second track and faster trains would potentially do to my house in terms of vibrations. Again, logically slower traveling train traffic does not vibrate my house as much as faster trains do. Look, I realize I bought my house with a train track in my back yard. However, having said that, I didn't buy it with two tracks and loads of freight traffic speeding by. I realize that the buyout of the EJ&E and CN will probably go through. However, I think that CN does have a responsibility to those residents, like myself, who resided along these tracks PRIOR to CN traffic. I would propose that some of these responsibilities include slower speeds of train traffic, and a seperated grade crossing on US 34. I would even be open to some form of a sound wall. I believe that the needs of both CN and the residents who will see NO benefit from this merger can be met. Thank You
Submitted by: Douglas Splitt · Aurora, IL
The Board publishes this comment in its environmental-comment table for this proceeding. It is quoted here as printed; nothing is inferred from it, and it states the commenter's own position in their own words, not this record's.
Permanent address docketyard.org/d/FD-35087/comment/EI-5397 · back to the docket sheet