CREATE

PUBLIC BENEFITS

Stronger Regional and National Economies

Regionally and nationally, CREATE will spark job growth and help businesses become more efficient and competitive.

During its construction period, CREATE will generate an annual average of
- More than 2,700 full-time construction-related jobs
- $365 million in purchases of materials and services
By decreasing shipping times, CREATE will boost the competitiveness of manufacturers and businesses and encourage long-term job growth in Illinois and nationwide. Shippers will save an estimated $40 million annually in reduced inventory costs.
Reductions in highway needs and user costs will yield more than $10 billion in savings for the nation over 20 years.

A Better Quality of Life For Northeastern Illinois

Regionally, CREATE will enhance passenger rail service, reduce motorist delays, increase public safety, improve air quality and create jobs.

New overpasses, underpasses and other improvements will reduce the time Chicago-area motorists spend waiting at railroad crossings by an average 3,000 hours a day.

Police and fire emergency vehicle routes will be improved in neighborhoods with new overpasses or underpasses.

Travel times for Metra commuters will improve and schedules will become more reliable.

Capacity on Metra's SouthWest and Heritage lines will increase. CREATE also will permit the increased use of LaSalle Street Station, freeing capacity at Union Station.

Emissions from cars, trucks and locomotives will be greatly reduced, improving air quality.

Noise from idling or slow-moving trains will be reduced in residential neighborhoods.