Kirk: "I will continue to fight for federal funding to upgrade commuter rail service on Metra's North Central Line."

Metra's North Central rail line already serves communities in Arlington Heights, Vernon Hills, Mt. Prospect, Prospect Heights, Vernon Hills, Libertyville and Gurnee with four trains a day. Recently the House of Representatives approved $20 million in additional funding as part of a $52 million federal transportation package to double track this rail line and expand service in 2005 to over 16 trains a day. "Our western suburbs continue to grow at a rapid rate and deserve a commuter rail system that models the Northwestern line which serves our lake shore communities to the east. Double tracking this rail line will not only relieve traffic congestion but will also help us meet our obligations under the Clean Air Act by reducing air pollution," said Kirk.

Stop Noisy Train Whistles

As part of his continuing efforts to prevent implementation of a proposed federal regulation that would require trains to blow their horns at all railroad crossings, Congressman Kirk invited Allan Rutter, chief of the Federal Railroad Administration, to visit his district for a second time since taking office. Concerned about the impact implementation of the train whistle rule will have on 10th District communities, especially noise pollution and a very negative impact on property values, Congressman Kirk voiced his doubts about the rules and a new report released by the FRA.

During a meeting with north suburban mayors and Rutter in Arlington Heights, Kirk said, "I have serious concerns about the availability and accuracy of current data, qualifications of current and new quiet zones, and the additional costs to install Supplemental Safety Measures. We cannot potentially burden local governments and taxpayers with millions of dollars in upgrades based on data with inaccuracies, omissions and outdated evidence. Unsecured crossings must be secured. Unsafe crossings with a record of accidents must be addressed but safe crossings with no record of accidents and sufficient safety equipment should continue to be exempt from blowing train whistles without costing taxpayers a fortune."

Public-Private Initiative Could Lead to Rt. 60 Bridge Renovation

The bridge across the toll way at Route 60 has long been rated one of the worst suburban traffic hotspots. A novel public-private initiative which combines federal funding with a local employers' fund to build a wider bridge across the toll way is gaining support and strength. "Securing federal transportation funds for this district project it one of my top priorities. This project offers a unique opportunity to reduce traffic gridlock using both private and public funds and sets an example for future transportation infrastructure upgrades," said Kirk.

Intelligent Transportation Systems

To many commuters in the 10th Congressional District, an Intelligent Transportation System could sound like an oxymoron. But Congress plans to expand funding for computer signs and other aids to alert drivers to problems and provide suggested alternative routes as well as timing traffic signals to compensate for traffic volume and weather conditions. "Commuters along Lake-Cook Road will be among the first in the country to see this 21st century technology," said Kirk.