Title
Resolution supporting the efforts of the Canadian National Railroad to improve the Metra North Central Service Line with the installation of double track rail infrastructure, between Lake Avenue in the Village of Grayslake and Hook Drive in the Village of Round Lake Beach, thereby improving both freight train operations and Metra passenger service operations and reducing vehicle and emergency service delays at roadway/railway crossings along the corridor.
Staff Summary
• The Canadian National Railroad is planning to install approximately 2.2 miles of double track along the Metra North Central Service Line within the next ten years at their sole expense (no cost to the County).
• Constructing the double track will remove an existing bottleneck along the line and thereby improve operations for both the Canadian National Railroad and Metra Commuter Service, and reduce road crossing blockages that delay vehicles and negatively impact emergency services.
• The road/rail grade separations constructed by the County at Washington Street and Rollins Road were designed to accommodate this double track expansion.
• This improvement is recommended as part of Lake County’s 2040 Transportation Plan.
Body
R E S O L U T I O N
WHEREAS, businesses and over 700,000 residents in Lake County rely on a transportation system that incorporates elements owned by the state, the county, 52 municipalities, road districts, the Illinois Tollway, freight railroads, Metra and Pace; and
WHEREAS, the transportation network supports the efficient movement of people, goods, and services and is the backbone of the economy; and
WHEREAS, Lake County is in support of a multi-modal transportation system that includes motorized and non-motorized elements; and
WHEREAS, Lake County supports and promotes the needs of the suburban public transit agencies, Metra, and Pace, in their efforts to maintain, modernize and expand their systems; and
WHEREAS, Lake County believes having a well maintained, safe and reliable transportation network is necessary for employment and to maintain the economic viability and the future of Lake County; and
WHEREAS, Lake County’s Long Range 2040 Transportation Plan identifies the need to improve the Metra North Central Service Line with double track infrastructure between the Village of Grayslake and the Village of Round Lake Beach; and
WHEREAS, Lake County has previously constructed railroad grade crossing separations at Rollins Road, County Highway 31, and Washington Street, County Highway 45, to accommodate the future expansion to double track along the Metra North Central Service Line; and
WHEREAS, frequent freight train stoppages and low train speeds along the Metra North Central Line cause vehicle delays on area roads; and
WHEREAS, these conditions can inhibit emergency responses in Central Lake County; and
WHEREAS, the double track infrastructure will allow Metra to improve their passenger service operations and on-time performance; and
WHEREAS, the Canadian National Railroad has indicated their intent to plan, design, and construct the approximately 2.2 miles of double track within the next ten years at their sole expense; and
WHEREAS, Lake County believes the double track improvement will help mitigate vehicle delays caused by freight train traffic and, in addition, improve Metra operations to the benefit of road and transit commuters alike.
NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that this Lake County Board supports the efforts of the Canadian National Railroad to plan, design, and construct the necessary double track infrastructure along the North Central Service Line between Lake Avenue in the Village of Grayslake and Hook Drive in the Village of Round Lake Beach.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that this Lake County Board urges the Canadian National Railroad to begin working with the communities along the corridor to inform them of the planned improvements and to solicit public feedback.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that this Lake County Board urges the Canadian National Railroad to work in partnership with Metra to develop future operational plans that are mutually beneficial to both freight and passenger service.
DATED at Waukegan, Illinois on April 12, 2022.