Sen. Durbin says Canadian National to blame for Amtrak problems

CHICAGO (WLS) -- Illinois senator Dick Durbin says Canadian National is to blame for Amtrak delays and blocked crossings.

Durbin is asking the surface transportation board to come to Illinois to see the problems firsthand. Durbin says the issues resulted from Canadian National's purchase of the EJ&E Railway.

The EJ&E Railway is a small freight line with tracks that run from Waukegan to Joliet. At the time of the purchase, Canadian National said the deal would ease freight traffic in Chicago and on other railroad lines.

Durbin met with Surface Transportation Board (STB) Chairman Dan Elliot to discuss these and other ongoing issues resulting from the Canadian National acquisition and begin working towards a solution.

"I am disappointed, but not surprised, that I continue to hear reports of CN's unwillingness to meet its most basic obligations in delivering safe and reliable rail service in Illinois," Durbin said.