By now, you likely have heard how a developer wants to run a high-speed train that will whip through River Forest, Melrose Park, Forest Park, and 11 other communities on its 80+ mph journey from O’Hare to Downtown Chicago. Dave Lundy, the developer, brags that it will run every 15 minutes from 4 a.m. to 10 p.m. [1] Counting trains in both directions, it’s actually every 7.5 minutes, and 144 times per day. That doesn’t include possible nightly freight trains that could be in play.
The developer also claims that the O’Hare Flyer is “whisper quiet,” [2] referencing that the engine is battery electric. While the motor itself may be relatively quiet, significant noise is generated from noise from the wheels and tracks, plus aerodynamic noise, that increase with speed. A battery electric train has an average sound level of 70-78 decibel (dB) [3] vs. 80-85 dB for a diesel freight train. Note a whisper is between 20 and 30 dB [4].
We also have to consider that a train horn is required by law and blasts between 96 and 110 dB [5] when approaching public grade crossings, regardless of how quiet the train’s engine is. The train horn makes two long blasts, one short blast, and one long blast, and sounds off 15-20 seconds before reaching a crossing. This is definitely not whisper quiet.
Additionally, this project will take at least two years of major construction time to modify the existing rail system [6], including installing several berms and new bridges that would run through our residential neighborhoods. This would be 6 days a week of not-so-whisper-quiet construction … for years!
Ironically, Dave Lundy, a Wilmette resident, successfully campaigned to stop Northwestern’s Ryan Field from allowing six concerts per year [7]. Concerts at this field, located over two miles from Lundy’s home, would have meant noise levels above 70 decibels. I guess Dave doesn’t like noise in his own neighborhood, but is perfectly OK with noise in other communities.
No sound, light or vibration studies for the proposed project have been disclosed, and many believe that the public health and wildlife impact is being minimized, even ignored. Studies show that anything at or above 65 dB can trigger an increase in blood pressure, heart rate, and stress hormones in the blood [8/9]. If a train is built, it will negatively impact our sleep and our health. That whisper in your ear while you are in bed may just be the 4 a.m. train.
Let’s not be whisper quiet on this project. What you can do to help:
1) Write letters to our officials (Gov. Pritzker, state Sen. Harmon, U.S. Sen. Duckworth, etc.), the railroads, Cook County Forest Preserve, and others
2) Attend town hall meetings, including neighboring communities, and speak out
3) Voice your opinion in your local paper and social media
4) Volunteer by visiting the website below
Visit www.stoptheohareflyer.org for more info, who to write to, sample letters, how to volunteer, and other actions.
References can be found in the online version at oakpark.com.
1) https://insider.capitolnewsillinois.com/ohare-flyer-would-whisk-travelers-between-airport-chicago-loop-in-15-minutes/
2) https://www.ohareflyer.com/press-releases
3) https://www.chicagotribune.com/2026/10/05/ohare-flyer-forest-park-meeting/
4) https://noiseawareness.org/info-center/common-noise-levels/
5) https://railroads.dot.gov/railroad-safety/divisions/crossing-safety-and-trespass-prevention/train-horn-rulequiet-zones
6) https://www.construction-physics.com/p/how-long-does-it-take-to-plan-a-bridge
7) https://www.chicagotribune.com/2023/08/09/at-packed-meeting-wilmette-village-board-approves-resolution-opposing-concerts-at-northwesterns-ryan-field/
8) https://www.decibelmeter.org/health
9) https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3971384
Steve Metro
River Forest