STB takes action against CSX to keep Elsdon Line crossings clear

Written by Jenifer Nunez, assistant editor
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The Surface Transportation Board (STB) has ordered CSX to not allow a train to enter the Elsdon Line on the Chicago's south side unless the line is clear. This ruling is effective immediately and is the result of legal action against CSX for repeatedly blocking grade crossings along the Elsdon railroad line in violation of federally imposed requirements.

 

The ruling also requires monthly reports for one year from CSX that will detail the railroad’s efforts to address malfunctioning gates, the number of at-grade crossing blockages that exceed 10 minutes and situations where trains are not being cut to avoid blocking crossings and why. Earlier orders from the STB had required CSX to separate trains into more than one unit if they are sitting idle at a grade crossing to allow traffic to move through those crossings. In each monthly report, CSX will also be required to provide the board with an update on the progress it has made in establishing operating protocols with other carriers on lines the Elsdon Line crosses.

“Ever since CSX secured the right to operate on this track, residents have told us that trains along the Elsdon Line routinely cause lengthy delays that not only inconvenience residents but threaten public safety by blocking access to area hospitals,” said Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel. “My administration has been working closely with 19th Ward Ald. Matt O’Shea and other local elected officials to hold the railroad accountable for their repeated violations in order to bring relief to the local community.”

The city of Chicago and village of Evergreen Park in February filed a petition with the STB in order to remedy the serious harmful effects created by CSX’s operations along the Elsdon Line. The petition sought a number of potential remedies, including: the imposition of sanctions, including fines; continued monitoring and additional auditing.

“I am pleased that the Surface Transportation Board is holding CSX accountable and granting relief for residents in my ward. I hope that this ruling will finally force CSX to honor the promises it made to my community three years ago and address the many public safety and quality of life issues they have created,” said Ald. O’Shea.

Residents have complained that CSX trains frequently block at-grade crossings for significant periods of time, including during rush hour, despite binding conditions imposed by the STB intended to avoid this occurrence. Blockages of the at-grade crossing along 95th Street in Evergreen Park present particular concern because they impede access to two major hospitals: Little Company of Mary and Advocate Christ Medical Center.

In 2013, CSX acquired the rights to operate on the Elsdon Line, which traverses the far southwest side of Chicago, the village of Evergreen Park and other area communities. As part of the STB’s authorization allowing CSX to acquire and exercise its operating rights, the STB created requirements that would alleviate the impact of grade crossing blockages. For example, the railroad is required to break trains into two parts when a blockage is expected to exceed 10 minutes and the railroad is also required to submit quarterly reports to the STB to report on its compliance.

 

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