O'Shea Set To Testify On Captiol Hill About Rail Crossing Safety

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Chicago 19th Ward Ald. Matt O'Shea is set to testify at a congress subcommittee hearing on Capitol Hill Wednesday regarding rail crossing safety and coming up with solutions to address blocked rail grade crossings. The alderman "will give voice to the concerns of area residents" when it comes to blocked rail crossings, noise and safety concerns, Illinois Third District Congressman Dan Lipinski said.

“I am committed to exploring innovative solutions that will improve safety and end the gridlock caused by idling or broken-down trains in the Chicago area and around the country,” Lipinski, chairman of the House Subcommittee on Railroads, Pipelines and Hazardous Materials, said.

The congressman said data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics shows traffic delays cost the average commuter more than $1,000 a year in lost productivity.

“This hearing will provide much-needed answers to help us craft laws that will protect our constituents and put an end to practices that hinder their ability to get to work, reach loved ones, and perform the other essential tasks of daily life," he said.

According to Lipinski, O'Shea will share testimony from residents in Beverly, Mount Greenwood and other affected areas about the difficulties blocked rail crossings pose for their communities.

"Alderman O’Shea’s testimony will give voice to the concerns of area residents, and I am pleased to welcome him to Capitol Hill for the hearing.”

The hearing, titled “Tracking Toward Zero: Improving Grade Crossing Safety and Addressing Community Concerns,” will begin at 9 a.m. central time and be streamed live here.