In 2009, the Village Board approved a memorandum of agreement with Canadian
National to help offset the issues presented by the increased train traffic, and therefore
noise, associated with CN’s purchase of the EJ&E railroad. As part of that agreement, the
Village was to create a noise mitigation program for residents impacted by the purchase.
Under this program, certain homes are eligible for monetary reimbursement for the cost
of installing sound mitigation or attenuating devices based on their locations within a
noise contour. For a residential dwelling unit to be considered for inclusion in the Village
of Hawthorn Woods’ program, it currently must be at least partially located within the 65
dBA* noise contour (* decibel above reference noise).

Residential dwelling units that are entirely or partially located within the 65 dBA noise
contour are eligible for reimbursement for the installation of landscaping berms,
vegetation shields, or other sound-attenuating materials or devices. Reimbursement is
limited to $4,687.50 per property. This is determined by dividing the total funds available
($300,000) by the number of eligible homes (64).

65 dBA Noise Contour Map
Hawthorn Woods Canadian National Noise Mitigation Program
Canadian National Noise Mitigation Program Instructions and Forms
Noise Mitigation Tip Sheet

Contact CN Program Coordinator Brian Sullivan at 847-847-3531 or via this form with any questions.