Our Projects

Topline Community Benefits

A-5 is one of twelve tower projects that strategically mitigate systemwide inefficiencies.

Upgraded infrastructure to enhance freight and passenger rail services

Increased traveler speeds and goods movement

Safer work environment for rail employeescrossings may involve communication upgrades to enable remote operation.

Project Funding Needs

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Fully funded and complete

Project Location Map

This map highlights the project's location within the region. 

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Municipality

Chicago

Project Area

North Limit W. Cortland St.
South Limit W. Bloomingdale Ave.
East Limit N Lawndale Ave.
West Limit N. Ridgewa Ave.

Project Overview & Impact

A-5 benefits numerous rail-adjacent communities and rail industries by increasing the reliability of train operations at key crossings throughout the region. Reducing signal systems’ failure rate due to antiquated infrastructure, Amtrak and Metra delays stemming from periodic signal failures will be less. This reduces the need for hand flagging of the interlocking.

The upgrading of signal systems at major at-grade railroad crossings may involve communication upgrades to enable remote operation.

67th St N Abut Stair Tower (3)

Project Benefits

Improved freight and passenger rail systems better rail services and the environments around rail for all residents, consumers and passengers.

Communities in greater Chicago and Northwest Indiana 

Communities along the Metra routes Metra Milwaukee North and Milwaukee West, Metra North Central, Metra Electric, Metra Rock Island, Metra SouthWest, Metra Heritage, and UP Northwest

Communities along the Amtrak routes to/from Chicago (except the BNSF California Zephyr and Southwest Chief routes to the West)

Tower improvements increase the flow of commerce, transit, and workers throughout the region.

Less congestion improves local air quality.

Reduced Amtrak and Metra delay due to periodic signal failures which increases reliability of train operations.

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Project Status

Phase I Completed
Phase II Completed
Phase III Completed

Project Status Definitions:
– Phase I: Environmental & Preliminary Engineering
– Phase II: Final Design (Plans, Specifications & Estimates)
– Phase III: Construction

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