(WBBM NEWSRADIO) - Northwest suburbs are struggling with a surge in trains after a controversial merger.
It’s been one year since Canadian Pacific merged with Kansas City Southern, creating a rail system that stretches from Canada to Mexico. It’s brought more freight trains through Chicago’s northwest suburbs, and leaders are taking notice.
Bensenville Village Manager Evan Summers told the Daily Herald one train blocked traffic for 32 minutes. The village reported 85 blocked crossings of more than 10 minutes since September.
The Itasca Fire District is making adjustments, moving some of its equipment north of the tracks to handle calls when freights block crossings.
Despite pushback from Metra and a coalition of suburbs, CPKC said they plan to add eight more daily trains over the next few years, adding its new configuration has improved safety and reduced greenhouse gas emissions.
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