Comment EI-34282
Received or sent (printed as 8/20/2026)
I am submitting these preliminary comments regarding Union Pacific Railroad Company’s proposed acquisition of Norfolk Southern Railway Company on behalf of the Town of Chesterton, Indiana, and the residents I represent. Chesterton has serious concerns about this transaction if it results in increased freight train traffic through our community. More frequent or longer trains could significantly increase blocked railroad crossings, traffic congestion, noise, and other impacts on our residents and businesses. Of particular concern is public safety. Increased or prolonged blocked crossings can delay police, fire, and ambulance response when every minute matters. I respectfully request that the Surface Transportation Board fully evaluate the impact this transaction could have on Chesterton, including projected increases in the number, frequency, and length of trains; the frequency and duration of blocked crossings; impacts on emergency response; noise and vibration; and traffic congestion. If the proposed acquisition will result in increased rail traffic through Chesterton, I request that meaningful mitigation be required as a condition of approval. This should include infrastructure improvements to reduce the impact of blocked crossings and improvements necessary to establish a quiet zone within our community. Without adequate mitigation, I oppose a merger that would increase rail traffic and place additional burdens on Chesterton residents, emergency services, and our community. Erin Collins President, Chesterton Town Council
Submitted by: Erin Collins · President Chesterton Town Council · Chesterton, IN
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-36873/comment/EI-34282 · back to the docket sheet