Transportation of goods on railways has increased in Illinois, especially in Evergreen Park, IL and surrounding towns.  The majority of the increased numbers of freight trains run during the night.  Freight trains also generate vibrations.  The length of the trains has increased and the number of cars extend out of the rail yards and block intersections as they park and idle emitting excessive low frequency noise and vibrations.  Transportation noise and vibrations has adverse effects on sleep and heart rate. 

Noise pollution and vibrations can cause harm.  It is impossible to get healthy sleep.  Trains parked and idling emit rumbling sounds.  Those rumbling sounds are low frequency noises from trains that penetrate your house.  Constant noise and vibrations cause property damage that lowers property value.  In addition, breathing in diesel exhaust can cause lung irritation causing asthma.   

Even if you think you’ve adapted to noise (you say that you barely notice the train rumbling by your home), you’re mistaken.  Studies have been carried out that have demonstrated the potential impact of the noises on our mental and physical health.

During sleep, the body repairs cells, stores energy, and gets rid of toxic waste.  Noise and vibration disruptions does not let the brain rest. There is a correlation between disease and noise. Lack of sleep is causing our diseases.   

Health Impacts to Children:  Noise is harmful to children’s learning.  Young children are affected more.  Learning disabilities, poor language development, anxiety, and hearing loss are just a few factors.  The trains in Evergreen Park are .05 miles where elementary, middle, and high schools are located.  Parked trains are a source of safety at crossing during school hours. 

Symptoms and causes of noise and vibrations:  Difficulty falling asleep, loss of sleep, high or low blood pressure, distress, hearing impairment or loss, headaches, unusual tiredness, lack of concentration, loss of productivity, provokes annoyance responses or irritation, pressure on the ear drum, imbalance, disorientation, nausea, digestive disorders, vision problems, and dizziness can lead to Neurological Disorders, Cardiovascular, and Tinnitus to name a few. 

Imagine calling ALL your local government officials and receiving no help at all.  The recent House Bills were NOT introduced by our local elected officials and one Bill was not supported at all.  There seems to be NO concern for the safety and sound tolerance of local communities.  By signing the petition, we can stand together and fight and hold our elected officials accountable. 

A cost saving initiative by railroads is to implement Precision Scheduled Railroading (PSR); running trains longer and creating safety concerns (trespassing), noise and vibrations due to excessive weight creating property damage, and adverse health effects (Vibroacoustic Disease).

WHAT IS REQUIRED FROM OUR COMMUNITIES AND FOR OUR CONSTITUENTS:       

1.  We must demand new Environmental Assessments in our communities.

2.  We must demand noise and vibrations assessments in our communities.

3.  We must demand soundproofing funding similar to that for reduction of aircraft noise. 

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:  To learn more about noise and vibrations visit:  https://www.grownyc.org/noise.  Choose “Publications” link. 

REPORT A BLOCKED CROSSING:  US Department of Transportation:  Federal Railroad Administration:  How Do I…Report a blocked crossing? https://railroads.dot.gov/

Do you have property damage?  Do you have medical issues? 

If you would like to share your railroad comments, to be included with the petition, please e-mail me at csxrrcomplaints@gmail.com.  

Please join the community to improve railroad train noise, vibrations, your health and safety, and property value, please sign the petition and add your comments.

Let's do this together! Change only happens when we all participate and get involved.