Whoo-Whoo-Hoo! Train Whistles Could Be Silent by August

The loud whistles coming from freight trains along the EJ&E line in New Lenox could fall silent this summer, officials said at a meeting Monday night. 

In December 2010, the Village Board approved a deal with Canadian National Railway that will give New Lenox quiet zones, landscaping and safety mechanisms for one of its rail lines at no cost.

Canadian National bought the Elgin, Joliet & Eastern Railway for $300 million in 2008, and in the last couple of years has reached voluntary mitigation agreements with similar terms with other villages and cities.

Village engineer Will Nash said realistically, there would be no more horns along that line by late July or August. 

Since the 2010 approval, a number of issues have been worked out before any construction could begin to make the required upgrades for quiet zones. 

At Monday's night's meeting, the Village Board approved a contract with Construction by Camco for completing the necessary work to receive quiet zones at the five railroad crossings.

The amount of the contract is $152,229, but that will be reimbursed in full by Canadian National. Necessary upgrades include new pavement markings, a median system, new signs and traffic control measures.

Mayor Tim Baldermann said he's also heard from residents who have experienced some structural damage to their homes, perhaps as a result of living near the railroad. Baldermann wasn't sure if there was anything that could be done from an engineering standpoint, but asked Nash to explore options.

The village has already been working with nearby residents to improve things such as windows or landscaping that block noise. 

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