Trains rumble through downtown Bensenville on a regular basis. While many businesses like the Two Chefs restaurant deal with the inconveniences they cause right now, they say a potential increase in freight train traffic would be a much bigger deal.
A coalition of mayors and first responders from those towns along the rail line testified against the proposed merger in front of the Surface Transportation Board in Washington D.C. Wednesday.
"A small town like Bensenville, where I have grade separations, this potential increase will completely shut down our town," Bensenville Village President Frank DeSimone said.
Fire and police chiefs have said the longer freight trains could also make it difficult for them to respond to emergencies while they wait to cross the tracks.