Comment EI-34341
Received or sent (printed as 9/18/2026)
The proposed merger between Union Pacific and Norfolk Southern will bring an increase in rail traffic along the NS AGS line, which runs east to west across a large portion of the City of Birmingham. According to the STB interactive map, the increased traffic along the AGS would exceed the board's tolerance for air quality and noise analysis. Other NS lines in the Birmingham area are also projected to have increased traffic carrying hazardous materials, including a line running through North Birmingham near an EPA superfund site. While the city of Birmingham is not coming out against the merger at this time, we would like to provide the following environmental comments. Birmingham already sees nearly 40 trains a day on the AGS and thus struggles mightily with blocked crossings and excessive train horn noise. These challenges create traffic congestion; delay EMS responses and city services such as trach pick up; impact the ability of children to concentrate in class, impact the city's ability to secure affordable housing tax credits, and cause residents to miss work, school, doctor's appointments, and even vote. Additionally, the AGS hosts the Amtrak Cresent service connecting Birmingham to New Orleans, Atlanta, and beyond. The Cresent has routinely seen travel delays especially between Birmingham and Atlanta. An increase in traffic will only exacerbate all of these issues. Norfolk Southern has been a strong partner with the City of Birmingham in attempting to address these issues. This includes a $10 Million CRISI grant to design grade separation projects on the east side of Birmingham. If the merger is approved Birmingham would want firm commitment to complete the construction of that project. The City would also want to see additional risk mitigations implemented by the Union Pacific including: - More grade separation projects - The widespread implementation of quite zones across the UP system in Birmingham - Commitments to improved Amtrak service to Atlanta
Submitted by: Colin Alexander · City of Birmingham Department of Transportation · Birmingham, AL
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-34341
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