Are America's communities being railroaded by the freight industry?
The rail freight industry is back after years of decline, but the booming freight business has also created problems for those who live near the tracks. Too much traffic, too many trains, too much noise and vibration.
Not all cities and towns have this attitude, of course, Some have lost rail connections and are trying to get them back. And still others welcome the economic benefits of new railroad investment and jobs.
The main issue, though, is that cities want to control what happens inside their borders.
When rail traffic picks up, towns are saying, "Stop those trains!" says Paul Nowicki, assistant vice-president of government and public policy of Burlington Northern Santa Fe Corporation in Chicago. "Rail planning and community livability" ought to be compatible, he says.
New operations have brought headaches like blocked intersections, delays, safety and environmental concerns.
Some cities have reacted to the changes by filing lawsuits, some have sought injunctions to stop rail operations on tracks laid in the 19th century. And some have adopted new regulations on speed and hours of operation, issue tickets for idling or blocking street traffic, or try to limit the number of trains per day, number of cars, or train length.
Railroads are working to ease the situation, and new technology may help.
Contact:
Planning magazine, American Planning Association: James Andrews ([email protected])
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