Chicago Illinois USA - Much to the disappointment of some residents in a number of Chicago suburbs, the U.S. Surface Transportation Board has approved the merger of Canadian Pacific Railway and Kansas City Southern.
 
The deal is worth billions of dollars and proponents say it will be good for the economy, but opponents have long expressed concerns about what it will do to their communities.
 
Wednesday's decision is two years in the making and comes after the board held several local public hearings and reviewed an environmental impact study.
 
"We made this decision because, in general terms, we found that on balance, the merger of these two railroads will benefit the American economy and be an improvement for all citizens in terms of safety and environment," board Chairman Marty Oberman said from Washington D.C.
 
The US$31 billion merger will create the largest freight company and run from Canada to Mexico through the United States.
 
It will impact 54 crossings on 20 miles of Metra's Milwaukee District West Line, running from Bensenville to Elgin.
 
Residents also expressed concerns about declining property values.
 
Metra also spoke out against the merger and said it could cause delays for its passengers.
 
Canadian Pacific said the merger would free up 64,000 semi-trucks on U.S. roadways each year, with more goods being shipped by train and also decrease greenhouse gas emissions.
 
But some of those who live and work along the rail line are worried about the quality of life.
 
"We're going from at least three freight trains a day to at least 11 freight trains and as many as 18 freight trains a day," Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi, D- District 8, said.
 
"According to EIS, 11,000 carloads of hazardous materials will cross through Chicago suburbs, 50 percent of which are flammable."
 
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