Canadian National adds $20 million more to mitigation fund for EJ&E purchase

(Merrillville) Post-Tribune

Thursday, October 2, 2008 8:48 AM

Post-Tribune staff report

Canadian National Railway has offered a $20 million increase in the amount it is willing to spend to soften the blow that its increased traffic would have on towns along the existing Elgin, Joliet & Eastern Railway line.

The railroad encountered public criticism on its proposed $300 million purchase of EJ&E, in regards to longer waits at crossings and possible negative impacts on emergency response times.

CN initially proposed $40 million for mitigation measures, such as improving signaling to create silent train crossings and better communication equipment between first responders and the railroad.

CN calls the increased investment in mitigation "unprecedented."