Biggert Responds To Audit Showing Hidden Truth On Blocked CN-EJ&E Crossings

Statement

U.S. Representative Judy Biggert (R-IL-13) today issued the following statement after the U.S. Surface Transportation Board (STB) released the results of a third-party audit that demonstrates that Canadian National (CN) failed to report more than 1,400 crossing blockages over a two-month period following its takeover of Chicago's suburban Elgin, Joliet and Eastern Railway (EJ&E) line:

"This audit verifies what suburban residents have been saying all along. Canadian National has consistently underreported and underestimated the devastating impact its freight plans are having on suburban communities. How can CN report just 14 blocked crossings when the reality was closer to 1,400? These trains are severing vital community links, creating immense traffic congestion, and cutting off fire trucks and ambulances from those who need help.

"Now we know CN had access to this data all along, and either chose to hide it, or simply forgot. Either way, CN kept federal regulators and the public in the dark each time their trains sat across our streets and highways for over 10 minutes, completely ignoring their own agreed upon duty to notify the community and cut the trains clear, if necessary, to reopen the crossing.

"The STB has announced that it will be demanding a full explanation of CN's failure at a hearing next week. I look forward to hearing how 1,443 blocked crossings at 85 different sites in just two short months could have gone unreported. They certainly didn't go unnoticed by the residents who live, work, and raise their families near the tracks.

"And I fully expect to hear how the STB will address this issue. Additional reporting requirements are not enough. The STB must reopen their mitigation requirements, account for the true impact of these trains, and demand that CN commit the time and resources needed to preserve the safety and quality of life of suburban residents."

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