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The Village of Minooka has raised concerns regarding the potential impact of a proposed Canadian National logistics hub on local traffic. The hub, to be situated in Channahon, has sparked apprehension among Minooka residents who have expressed their worries during recent Village Board meetings.
According to a statement from Minooka officials, there are fears that the project will direct heavy truck traffic through Minooka and utilize the I-80 and Ridge Road intersection as a key access point. "Village officials have stated [that] although the project is being built in the village of Channahon corporate limits, Minooka has several concerns regarding CN’s intent to direct heavy truck traffic generated by the project through Minooka," according to their release.
Wisconsin Central LTD, a subsidiary of Canadian National Railway, plans to construct an intermodal facility and logistics park on about 900 acres within Channahon's boundaries but also partly within Minooka's unincorporated planning area. The facility would include two access points for trucks weighing up to 80,000 pounds on McLindon Road and Route 6.
Minooka officials argue that this plan would significantly increase daily traffic on McLindon Road. They contend that such an increase was not anticipated when considering local infrastructure capacity. “Minooka did not contemplate the substantial additional truck and passenger vehicle traffic that will be generated by the WCL project,” states their release.
Efforts have been made by Minooka to negotiate with Wisconsin Central for a more favorable traffic plan that prioritizes safety without heavily impacting residents' quality of life. The village proposed restricting heavy truck access solely via Route 6 while allowing passenger vehicles on McLindon Road.
The situation escalated when Wisconsin Central allegedly threatened federal preemption under the Interstate Commerce Commission Termination Act of 1995 if its proposals were not accepted. "[Wisconsin Central Limited] has attempted to strong-arm Minooka by threatening...federal preemption," claimed the village in its release.
Channahon's assistant village administrator Michael Petrick emphasized that while acknowledging regional implications, Channahon respects Minooka's right to act independently regarding its planning areas. “This being a regional project,” Petrick noted, “it causes us to take a broader look at some things.”
Minooka filed a lawsuit against Canadian National and Wisconsin Central in June seeking enforcement of weight limits on McLindon Road. As discussions continue without resolution or changes in Canadian National's plans, both communities await further developments post-litigation.
