CN signs another pact to keep EJ&E rail deal on track

CHICAGO — Canadian National is one step closer to getting final approval for its acquisition of the Elgin, Joliet & Eastern Railway Company (EJ&E).

The railway announced an agreement with the Town of Dyer, Ind., located 30 miles southeast of downtown Chicago, that resolves the municipality’s issues with the proposed acquisition.

Under the agreement, CN will assist in the creation of "quiet zones, and take various steps to improve train operations, safety, communications, and emergency preparedness in Dyer."

The deal is being reviewed by the Surface Transportation Board (STB), which is encouraging CN and communities to reach voluntary mitigation agreements.

The company has faced some stiff opposition from some regional municipalities and community groups over the purchase, but has been busy securing agreements intended to mitigate the impacts of increased train traffic along the rail line.

"This is CN’s third mitigation agreement with a community along the EJ&E, following pacts signed with the cities of Joliet and Crest Hill, Illinois," said Gordon Trafton, CN senior vice-president, Southern Region. "We will continue talks with other municipalities on the EJ&E line in hopes of reaching similar voluntary mitigation agreements with them."