CN and Crest Hill make a deal

CHICAGO -- Canadian National announced an agreement Tuesday with the city of Crest Hill, regarding its proposed acquisition of the Elgin, Joliet & Eastern Railway.

The agreement addresses municipal concerns about the community impact of the transaction through the proposed creation of quiet zones and implementation of noise mitigation measures.

The agreement is contingent upon CN getting regulatory approval to acquire the EJ&E. The transaction is being reviewed by the Surface Transportation Board, which encourages such agreements between CN and communities.

Gordon Trafton, CN senior vice president, Southern Region, said, "We appreciate the city of Crest Hill's cooperation in working with CN to find practical, long-term solutions to municipal concerns about the transaction's impact on the community. Crest Hill conducted several public meetings to discuss the mitigation proposals and CN was invited to participate with officials and citizens."

Previously, CN reached a similar agreement with neighboring Joliet.

"With this agreement, the city tried to address our current and future issues and concerns with the railroad, to the best ability possible," said City Administrator John Tomasoski. "We think we accomplished this."