Amtrak assembles blue ribbon panel to address Chicago gridlock

Written by Jenifer Nunez, assistant editor

Amtrak is establishing a blue ribbon panel of rail and transportation leaders to identify infrastructure and operational improvements to address the rail traffic gridlock in Chicago. Amtrak said the unprecedented level of rail congestion is causing major delays for Amtrak passengers and freight shipments.

 

Panel members on the Chicago Gateway Initiative include Jack Quinn, former U.S. representative and past chairman of the U.S. House Railroads Subcommittee, Linda Morgan, former chair of the Surface Transportation Board and Tom Carper, Amtrak board member and past chairman. The freight railroads, which operate in Chicago and other stakeholders will be invited to participate in panel activities and are key to implementing recommended solutions.

Because Chicago is the hub of the U.S. rail network and the key gateway between East and West rail traffic, gridlock in the Chicago area is causing major delays throughout the United States. The congestion problem is caused by a combination of rising demand on the East Coast for more intermodal freight and crude oil shipments, which originate west of Chicago.

The panel is charged with identifying and evaluating infrastructure investments and operational actions that will optimize Amtrak on-time performance and improve freight rail service. Its objectives are to minimize disruptions and delays and accelerate the construction of infrastructure projects. A final report on recommendations is expected by the end of May 2015.

“The rail gridlock is Chicago is causing unacceptable delays for Amtrak passengers while reducing revenues and driving up operating costs for Amtrak,” said Amtrak President and Chief Executive Officer Joe Boardman.

The CREATE program has been a concerted effort by freight railroads, Amtrak and other stakeholders to address rail congestion issues in Chicago and it has achieved several successes. The Chicago Gateway Initiative will build on the CREATE program by re- energizing the conversation, stimulating new discussion about next steps for securing funding to implement CREATE projects and seeking to improve cooperative efforts among the railroads.

 

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