NIRPC opposes Canadian National Railway's plans

BY KEITH BENMAN, Times of Northwest Indiana
kbenman@nwitimes.com

A majority of Northwestern Indiana Regional Planning Commission members opposes Canadian National Railway's plans to buy the EJ&E Railway and redirect rail traffic into suburban communities around Chicago.

"This will have a severe impact on the town of Griffith," said Griffith Councilman Stanley Dobosz, D-5th. "It goes through a highly populated neighborhood that would be horribly impacted."

Not everyone was opposed. Munster Clerk-Treasurer David Shafer voted against the majority. CN's plan will sharply reduce rail traffic on the Grand Trunk line through Munster.

The board acted in support of a letter from U.S. Rep. Pete Visclosky, D-Ind., who has been a vehement critic of the proposal.

Visclosky's letter points out CN's plans could block expansion of Gary/Chicago International Airport and the extension of South Shore commuter rail to Lowell and Valparaiso.

The congressman also has pointed out the two railroads have 175 at-grade rail crossings in Lake County, with waits at many sure to increase.