April 2008 – Newsletter

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April 2008 – Newsletter

In This Issue

CREATE Partners Announce Track Work
Helmets to Hardhats Veterans Workshops
Did You Know?
Doing Business with CREATE Notifications

CREATE Partners Announce Track Work To Speed Freight on SE Side

Track and signal work began over the Easter weekend to speed up the movement of freight trains going from the Belt Railway System of Chicago (BRC) to the Norfolk Southern (NS) mainline tracks that run along 95th St. and the Chicago Skyway/Interstate-90.

The work involves upgrading and modernizing the tracks and signal system over a half-mile stretch extending from 101st St. and Commercial Ave. The improvements will increase the speed at which trains can operate in the area from 6 mph to 20 mph. Work should be completed by the first of May.

“This is the latest CREATE project that will not only help ease congestion and benefit air quality, but will help businesses receive their supplies and goods in a more timely manner,” said CDOT Commissioner Thomas G. Byrne.

Two Helmets to Hardhats Veterans Workshops Conducted

The second CREATE/Helmet to Hardhats Veterans Workshop on opportunities for railroad employment was held on April 4 at the Westside Technical Institute in Chicago. The event was hosted by the Chicago Teamsters. Representatives from various state agencies, railroad companies and other organizations were in attendance to support jobs for Illinois veterans.

CSX Transportation delivered a presentation on the types of railroad jobs available and provided support on applying for local railroad jobs online. Guest speakers included Congressman Peter Roskam, Secretary of State Jesse White, CSX Transportation Vice President Tom Livingston, and International Brotherhood of Teamsters Vice President Cheryl Johnson.

At a previous CREATE/Helmets to Hardhats event on February 15, Union Pacific provided similar training to veterans. Approximately 300 veterans attended the two events.

Without rail improvements provided by CREATE, the region could lose out on 17,000 jobs and $2 billion annually in economic growth. The CREATE improvements will create jobs that Illinois veterans are well suited for based on their prior military experience. New employees are needed by the railroads in increasing numbers. By 2014 35 percent of all U.S. railroad employees will be eligible to retire.

Did You Know?

Chicago area rail infrastructure covers about 16,000 acres – twice the size of O’Hare International Airport.

“Doing Business with CREATE” On Website

Bid awards are now being posted to the CREATE website.

To receive notification when a new bid solicitation is posted, send an email to [email protected] with “Procurement Notification” in the subject line. For more information, go to Doing Business with CREATE.

CREATE Employment

For information on local job opportunities within the rail industry, go to CREATE Employment.

Quick Links

Updated CREATE Three Year Plan Project List and Map.
Available at CREATE Projects