The Canadian National Railroad is asking the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers for a permit to construct a 4.27-mile-long second track adjoining the existing mainline track between Hoffman Estates and Elgin. The new rails would run between Shoe Factory and Spaulding roads and west of Poplar Creek Forest Preserve.
CN said the new and existing tracks would create a 6-mile reliever allowing an “uninterrupted flow” of northbound and southbound freight trains.
“The project will enhance the safe and efficient flow of rail traffic including the Milwaukee District West Line of Metra,” CN spokesman Alexandre Boulé said. “Commuters should also see reduced delays at Shoe Factory Road.”
Metra officials could not confirm CN’s assertions.
The Army Corps is involved because CN’s plan to mitigate impacts to Poplar Creek and its tributaries, which connect to the Fox River downstream, requires government approval under the Clean Water Act.
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