Our Projects
Grade Separations
47th & East Avenue & Indiana Harbor Belt Grade Separation
Topline Community Benefits
Substantial time savings and safety improvements by reducing collision potential.
Improved mobility for all roadway and rail users.
Idling vehicle reductions will result in an emissions reduction and localized air quality improvements.
Project Funding Needs
Project Location Map
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Municipality
LaGrange, McCook
Project Area
| North Limit | Sahler Ave. |
|---|---|
| South Limit | E 48th St. |
| East Limit | Blanchan Ave. |
| West Limit | Bluff Ave. |
Project Overview & Impact
The 47th Street & East Avenue & Indiana Harbor Belt Grade Separation will consider eliminating the at-grade crossings of 47th Street and East Avenue by three tracks of the Indiana Harbor Belt Railroad. This will be accomplished by creating either an overpass or underpass for vehicles at this location.
Daily, a total of 31,000 vehicles pass through the two crossings at 47th Street & East Avenue. This project will reduce roadway congestion and improve safety for roadway users, and at least 75 trains. The grade crossing separation will eliminate delay to over 6,100 vehicles daily, resulting in a reduction of nearly 77,000 annual motorist hours of delay.
It will also eliminate the potential for collisions between vehicles and trains.
Project Benefits
CommunitiesThe Columbus Avenue & Belt Railway Company Grade Separation will create substantial time saving and safety improvements. The grade crosing separation will eliminate delay to over 6,100 vehicles daily, resulting in alleviation of 77,000 annual motorist hours of delay.
Nearby Chicago, IL Community Areas: LaGrange, Brookfield, and McCook
Jobs & EconomicsThis crossing’s improvements will boost local and regional economic throughput by ensuring steady freight service.
EnvironmentalThis project will be accomplished by creating either an overpass or underpass for vehicles, creating a safer, more welcoming pedestrian experience.
Passenger Rail ServicesStrengthening freight rail is beneficial to the rail ecosystem.
Get Involved
If your organization is interested in working with the CREATE Program, please refer to our Bid Advertisements and RFP page to apply for active projects.
We also encourage you to attend our Get On Board: Business-to-Business networking events, Union Outreach events, and other relevant events to learn more about the Program and build connections. Please see our Events page for the latest information on upcoming events.
CREATE partners also fund on-the-job training on construction projects for entry-level positions who have graduated from IDOT’s Highway Construction Careers Training Program (HCCTP). For more information on the program, please click here to learn more.
Project Status
| Phase I | Upcoming |
|---|
| Phase II | Upcoming |
|---|
| Phase III | Upcoming |
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Project Status Definitions:
– Phase I: Environmental & Preliminary Engineering
– Phase II: Final Design (Plans, Specifications & Estimates)
– Phase III: Construction
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