ITASCA, Ill. (WBBM NEWSRADIO) -- Federal railroad regulators heard from the public and various suburban communities last night regarding the proposed merger of the Canadian Pacific and Kansas City Southern railways during a forum in Itasca.
Members of the U.S. Surface Transportation Board got an earful about the merger that would put more freight trains on suburban tracks.
Issues were raised about noise, pollution, congestion, increased emergency response times, and the impact on home values.
"What they're proposing will have life-altering and life-threatening impacts in our communities," said Itasca Village Administrator Carie Anne Ergo adressing the board.
"Up to 23,000 additional vehicles could be blocked daily including cars, busses, trucks and yes...emergency vehicles. This is not negligible, minor, or temporary as you indicated in your draft."
DuPage County and Bartlett, Bensenville, Elgin, Itasca, Hanover Park, Roselle, Wood Dale and Schaumburg are all part of a coalition opposing the merger.
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