Skip to content
  • Subscribe
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Youtube
  • Instagram
  • Email
  • Home
  • News
  • Opinion
  • Entertainment
  • Features
  • Advertise
  • Subscribe to Ray’s Columns
Suburban Chicagoland

Suburban Chicagoland

Original News, Features & Opinion on Chicago, Illinois and America

  • About
    • About
    • Advertise
    • Our Writers
      • Ray Hanania
      • Bill Lipinski
      • Biography: Aaron Hanania
    • Terms of Service
    • Privacy Policy
    • Reach Out
  • Sections
    • Events
    • Opinion
    • News
    • Features
    • Seniors
    • Comic Strip
  • Library
    • “MIdnight Flight” Online Book
      • Midnight Flight Book Overview
      • Midnight Flight Introduction
      • Midnight Flight Chapter 1
      • Midnight Flight Chapter 2
      • Midnight Flight Chapter 3
      • Midnight Flight Chapter 4
      • Midnight Flight Chapter 5
      • Midnight Flight Chapter 6
      • Midnight Flight Chapter 7
      • Midnight Flight Chapter 8
      • Midnight Flight Chapter 9
      • Midnight Flight Chapter 10
      • Midnight Flight Chapter 11
      • Midnight Flight Chapter 12
      • Midnight Flight Chapter 13
    • Villages, Cities & Towns
    • Federal Office Holders
    • County Officials
    • Legislators
  • Subscribe to Ray’s Columns
  • Comment
  • Podcast
    • Ray Hanania on Politics
    • Two Guys on Politics
    • Hanania on Tiktok
  • News Wire
  • Archive 2004-2013
  • Toggle search form
  • Hastings insurance legislation
    Hastings announces legislation to ensure fair homeowners insurance rates for Illinois families Business
  • Mahnoor Ahmad campaign photo
    Mahnoor Ahmad runs for DuPage County Board seat Democrat
  • Sunday, October 26, the Village of Orland Park formally rededicated its Village Hall in honor of the late former Mayor Fredrick T. Owens
    Village of Orland Park Rededicates Village Hall in Honor of Late Former Mayor Fredrick T. Owens Government
  • Fire at townhome at 13900 block of Berkhansted Court in Orland Park, just before midnight on Monday, Oct. 27, 2025
    Firefighter treated for dehydration battling townhouse fire in Orland Park – no residents injured Fire
  • Firefighters with the Orland Fire Protection District who responded to a fire in an apartment at 15200 block of Al Camino Terrace on Saturday morning said the next day that they did find a kitten that needed respiratory aid that they saved.
    FIRE UPDATE: Fire District releases photos of kitten saved from Orland Park apartment fire Saturday Features
  • two-story apartment building on the 15200 block of El Camino Terrace in Orland Park
    Orland Park apartment fire Saturday morning, no injuries Fire
  • Illinois Senator Michael Hastings addressing the Orland Township Democratic Organization Wednesday Oct. 12, 2022
    Hastings calls for bipartisan action to protect Illinois families from SNAP benefit shutdown Baby Boomers
  • Illinios Industrial Energy Consumers, information ad
    Get information on the Illinois Energy Omnibus Bill in Springfield Business
  • State Senator Mike Porfirio secured over $20 million to support infrastructure improvements and construction in the 11th Senate District.
    Senator Porfirio applauds more than $20 million in infrastructure repairs coming to the 11th District News
  • Dad and daughter reunited Lebving Law firm photo
    Little Girl Recovered and Reunited with Dad After Long Separation Dads' Rights
  • 11-03-25 OFPD Coffee living alone
    Orland Fire hosts meeting on helping Seniors who live alone Nov. 5 Baby Boomers
  • State Senator Michael Hastings introduces law to revive long dormant and degraded Tinley Park Mental Health Center into a Sports Park for the community. Photo courtesy of the State Senate President Don Harmon
    Hastings secures $250,000 grant for Easterseals Academy’s Tinley Park campus Health
  • Chicago ranks as 161st worst city for crime in new national survey Chicago
  • Kat Abughazaleh 9th DIstrict Congress 2026 candidate democrat
    Kat Abughazaleh raises over $520,000 in Q2 of 2025 with more than $630,000 cash on hand for 2026 Democratic primary election elections
  • Silent Threat: The True Dangers of Lithium-Ion Batteries — How to Stay Safe and Respond to a Battery Fire Fire
19th Ward Ald. Matt O'Shea

Rep. Newman Ald. O’Shea announce improvements to eliminate train blockages

Posted on September 23, 2021September 23, 2021 By Ray Hanania 1 Comment on Rep. Newman Ald. O’Shea announce improvements to eliminate train blockages
SHARE THIS STORY
            
 
  

Rep. Newman Ald. O’Shea announce improvements to eliminate train blockages

As a result of a working group with Rep. Newman, Ald. O’Shea, CSX, The Chicago Transportation Coordination Office, and state and local officials, new processes are in place to eliminate road-rail conflicts, avoid first responder delays, and reduce traffic congestion on Chicago’s Southwest Side.

Today, U.S. Representative Marie Newman (D-IL-03) and Alderman Matt O’Shea (19th Ward) announced successful efforts in significantly reducing road-rail conflicts and traffic congestion that have been caused by freight trains on Chicago’s Southwest Side for years.

As a result of a working group convened between local officials and freight and commuter rail operators, new reporting processes are now in place to not only address rail congestion and greatly reduce intermittent traffic blockages but also ensure local emergency vehicles are no longer delayed by stalled trains when responding to emergencies.

“For years now, train congestion on Chicago’s Southwest Side has not only disrupted the daily life of thousands of residents but also, at times, blocked first responders from responding to local emergencies in the community. In one of my first actions in Congress, I immediately convened local stakeholders to ensure these blockages are finally addressed and mitigated,” said Congresswoman Newman.

“Thanks to the commitment of local officials and the train operators, I’m proud to say that in just a matter of months, the processes developed by our working group have resulted in significant reductions in train blockages across all communities on the Southwest Side. While our work is far from done here, we will continue to hold all parties accountable to ensure this latest progress becomes a long-term solution.”

19th Ward Ald. Matt O'Shea
19th Ward Ald. Matt O’Shea

Since the implementation of these new reporting processes, road-rail crossings in the 19th Ward and Evergreen Park have seen a reduction in blockages of more than 10 minutes, according to data from train operator, CSX. In fact, several road-rail crossings, including those at 95th and 91st Street, have seen a 100% reduction in blockages greater than 10” when comparing May 2021 to August 2021. In the month of August 2021, the following road-rail crossings on Chicago’s Southwest Side experienced reductions:

115th Street: 63% reduction in blockages
111th Street: 59% reduction in blockages
103rd Street: 18% reduction in blockages
99th Street: 64% reduction in blockages
95th Street: 100% reduction in blockages
91st Street: 100% reduction in blockages
87th Street: 41% reduction in blockages

“I am thankful to Congresswoman Newman for spearheading this effort to address this public safety and quality of life issue,” said Alderman Matt O’Shea, 19th Ward. “While I am encouraged by this initial progress, our community has seen periods of improvement in the past. Congresswoman Newman and I are committed to continuing to hold CSX’s feet to the fire.”

Congresswoman Marie Newman, 3rd District Illinois
Congresswoman Marie Newman, 3rd District Illinois

For years, freight trains on the Elsdon Subdivision line, which runs along Sacramento Avenue in the Beverly, Morgan Park and Mt. Greenwood neighborhoods, have stopped in their tracks, regularly blocking traffic as well as fire trucks and ambulances responding to emergencies. In one of her first acts in office, Congresswoman Newman convened a working group with primarily Ald. O’Shea, The Chicago Transportation Coordination Office (CTCO), including CSX, and state and city officials to create new processes to effectively mitigate these regular delays.

Since the creation of the working group, local rail operators have altered internal and external communications processes to address congestion across the region. Specifically, operators Belt Railways and CSX have enacted a process change requiring manager approval for all northbound trains ensuring ‘line-up’ to proceed, greatly reducing slowdowns. At Congresswoman Newman’s request, the group created a new blockage reporting system that will alert the City of Chicago’s Office of Emergency Management and Communications (OEMC) immediately when a grade crossing blockage is identified.

“OEMC will continue to work with the rail industry to ensure ongoing coordination, timely notifications, and effective communication on this topic,” said Rich Guidice, Executive Director of OEMC.”

The successful mitigation efforts announced today follow a letter by Congresswoman Newman, Ald. O’Shea and other local officials that was sent to CTCO earlier this summer to address the constant delays experienced by constituents.

Congresswoman Newman has made it a priority to address road-rail conflicts that have affected Southwest Side constituents for decades. Earlier this summer, she successfully secured nearly $20 million in federal funding to support the Archer Avenue and the Belt Railway of Chicago (BRC) Grade Separation Project, which has been another hotspot for rail delays in the area.

newswire info
  • Author
  • Recent Posts
Ray Hanania
Ray Hanania
Ray Hanania is an award-winning opinion columnist, author & former Chicago City Hall reporter (1977-1992). A veteran who served during the Vietnam War and the recipient of four SPJ Peter Lisagor Awards for column writing, Hanania writes weekly opinion columns on mainstream American & Chicagoland topics for the Southwest News-Herald, Des Plaines Valley News, the Regional News, The Reporter Newspapers, and Suburban Chicagoland.  

His award winning columns can be found at www.HANANIA.COM Subscribe FREE today

Hanania also writes about Middle East issues for the Arab News, and The Arab Daily News criticizing government policies in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

Hanania was named "Best Ethnic American Columnist" by the New America Media in November 2007, and is the 2009 recipient of the SPJ National Sigma Delta Chi Award for column writing.

Email Ray Hanania at [email protected].

Follow RayHanania at Twitter
Ray Hanania
Latest posts by Ray Hanania (see all)
  • Hastings announces legislation to ensure fair homeowners insurance rates for Illinois families - October 29, 2025
  • Mahnoor Ahmad runs for DuPage County Board seat - October 29, 2025
  • Village of Orland Park Rededicates Village Hall in Honor of Late Former Mayor Fredrick T. Owens - October 29, 2025
NPV: 49
  • Tweet

SHARE THIS STORY
            
 
  
 
 
 
           
Briefs, Chicago, News, Transportation Tags:Federal funds, improvement, improvements, Marie Newman, Matt O'Shea, railroad crossings, road infrastructure, train delays

Post navigation

Previous Post: Data analysis lays out 10 facts about pre-trial Electronic Monitoring by Cook County Sheriff
Next Post: Fire in two adjacent apartments and smoke damage to apartment building in Orland Park

Related Posts

  • DuPage County Government Center (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
    Bond Set at $750,000 for Glendale Heights Man in Stratford Square Mall shooting Crime
  • Jeffery M. Leving fights for your rights
    Reported False Claim for College Expenses Thrown Out of Court Jeffery Leving
  • Judge Issues restraining order to prevent Trump from moving up 2020 Census deadline Federal
  • CERT trainees take instruction from Lt. Bill Leddin and Engineer Tom Rafferty on how to properly apply a tourniquet to an injured limb in a 2016 training. Photo courtesy of the Orland Fire Protection District
    Homecare will be topic of next Orland Fire program Fire
  • Illinois Rock Hall of Fame’s first class News
  • Local Attorney Gives Back On Basketball Court, Teaches Life Lessons News

More Related Articles

New police dog already a star in Summit Crime
Cicero Firefighter Ted Polashek. Photo courtesy of the Cicero Fire Department and Polashek Facebook Page Cicero firefighter released from hospital care in good health Briefs
Illinois Rep Rashid among those threatened by armed American Israeli settlers during pogrom in Turmosaya, Palestine Blogger
Mark Cuban addresses Judson University in Elgin, May 16, 2019. Photo courtesy of Judson University Mark Cuban shares business insights and inspiring stories at Judson University Business
Congressman Sean Casten Casten Introduces bill to Help Communities Facing Flood Damage   Cook County
Brian Hahn, 38, accused of stabbing his mother to death March 6, 2019 in Lyons. Photo courtesy of the Lyons Police Son stabs mother to death in Lyons Crime

Comment (1) on “Rep. Newman Ald. O’Shea announce improvements to eliminate train blockages”

  1. Pingback: The Driver's Side" – News From The Motorist's Perspective | theexpiredmeter.com

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

You must be logged in to post a comment.

Login with your Social ID
  • OPINION
  • Cook County Treasurer Maria Papas
    Your Mortgage Company May Pay Your Taxes — But You Still Need to Watch
    October 17, 2025
  • Mohammed Faheem The Lightning Strike Radio Show small
    The Politicization of the Nobel Peace Prize — and Trump’s Fury Over Losing Again
    October 11, 2025
  • 06-04-25 Two Guys on Politics Background Zoom LOGO with images
    Video Podcast: Trump Kimmel Kirk Great American Divide Illegal Aliens polling and Illegal Aliens and ICE
    September 20, 2025
  • Illinois House Speaker Emanuel "Chris" Welch speaking at a West Side affordable housing dedication
    Speaker Emanuel “Chris” Welch, one of the best candidates to become Illinois Governor
    September 7, 2025
  • Cook County Treasurer Maria Papas
    What You’re Missing on Your Property Tax Bill
    September 5, 2025
Subscribe to Ray Hanania's column graphic

Enter Your Email to Subscribe to Ray Hanania’s Columns

  • The-Kings-Pawn-Book-300-x-300.png

Mohammed Faheem The Lightning Strike Radio

  • NEWS
  • Hastings insurance legislation
    Hastings announces legislation to ensure fair homeowners insurance rates for Illinois families
    October 29, 2025
  • Mahnoor Ahmad campaign photo
    Mahnoor Ahmad runs for DuPage County Board seat
    October 29, 2025
  • Sunday, October 26, the Village of Orland Park formally rededicated its Village Hall in honor of the late former Mayor Fredrick T. Owens
    Village of Orland Park Rededicates Village Hall in Honor of Late Former Mayor Fredrick T. Owens
    October 29, 2025
  • Fire at townhome at 13900 block of Berkhansted Court in Orland Park, just before midnight on Monday, Oct. 27, 2025
    Firefighter treated for dehydration battling townhouse fire in Orland Park – no residents injured
    October 28, 2025
  • Firefighters with the Orland Fire Protection District who responded to a fire in an apartment at 15200 block of Al Camino Terrace on Saturday morning said the next day that they did find a kitten that needed respiratory aid that they saved.
    FIRE UPDATE: Fire District releases photos of kitten saved from Orland Park apartment fire Saturday
    October 26, 2025
John Kass Columns

Order the book PoweR PR; Ethnic Activists Guide to Strategic Communications

YOUTUBE VIDEOS

CLICK TO SUBSCRIBE TO RAY HANANIA'S YOUTUBE VIDEOS


Click here to view the video on YouTube or use the widget below.

Follow Ray Hanania at
Twitter
Facebook
TitkTok
BlueSky
RayHanania Columns

Creative Commons License
All works on this website is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License. Do not edit original work. Give credit to the original source.

Categories

Copyright © 2022 Suburban Chicagoland & Urban Strategies Group

Powered by PressBook Premium theme