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Dear Federal Railroad Administration Representative,

I am writing to urgently request the FRA’s assistance in addressing a severe and growing public safety, health, and infrastructure problem at the rail crossing where Canadian National Railway (CN) freight trains cross Metra’s Union Pacific Northwest Line near CN Crossing #260 515D at IL Route 59 (Hough Street) in Barrington, Illinois.

For years, residents and businesses surrounding this crossing have endured extreme levels of ground-borne vibration and noise caused by heavy CN freight traffic moving through this densely populated residential area. These trains, often exceeding 50 million pounds in total weight, generate powerful shockwaves that shake homes like an earthquake. The impacts are not limited to occasional disturbances; they occur day and night, often during overnight hours when families are trying to rest.

The consequences have been profound:

• Homes shake violently, causing structural damage to foundations, walls, porches, and interior fixtures.
• Residents experience chronic sleep deprivation, stress, anxiety, and long-term fatigue.
• Children are unable to sleep through the night, and adults struggle to function at work.
• Families feel unsafe in their own homes—homes they once trusted as their sanctuary.

These conditions are not sustainable, and they pose a growing risk to both public safety and community well-being. Despite repeated attempts to bring attention to this issue, no meaningful mitigation measures have been implemented by the railroads involved.

We respectfully request that the FRA:

1. Initiate or require a comprehensive vibration and noise impact study for this location. For more details see: https://cadhcr.com/projects/

2. Evaluate CN’s operations at this crossing to determine whether they constitute an unreasonable burden on the surrounding community.

3. Work with Metra, CN, and local authorities to identify and implement engineering and operational solutions including speed restrictions to 10-15 mph, scheduling adjustments, track upgrades, and long-term grade separation planning.

4. Provide oversight and engage federal resources or grant programs to support mitigation, such as construction of a Grade Separation (Flyover or Underpass).

The residents of Barrington cannot continue living under these conditions. We are asking for your leadership and intervention to ensure that this community receives the protection, safety, and relief it urgently needs.

Thank you for your time and attention to this serious matter. 

Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Your Address]

On behalf of: Citizens Against Destruction of Their Homes by Canadian Railways – https://cadhcr.com/

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Email the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) at: FRALegal@dot.gov and rrswebinquiries@dot.gov