Our Projects
Argo Connections
Topline Community Benefits
Increased freight and passenger rail reliability for over 15 trains.
Significant speed improvements.
Modern physical and digital infrastructure upgrades.
Enhanced capacity and operational efficiency.
Project Funding Needs
Project Location Map
This map highlights the project's location within the region.
To learn more about other CREATE projects, zoom out to explore the map.
Municipality
Chicago, Bedford Park, Bridgeview, Summit
Project Area
| North Limit | W 59th St. |
|---|---|
| South Limit | 87th St. |
| East Limit | S Harlem Ave. |
| West Limit | I-55 Stevenson Expy S |
Project Overview & Impact
The completed Argo Connections constructed a new double-track connection and crossovers between the BRC and IHB/CSX line. This allows for speeds of 25 mph and provides increased flexibility for dispatchers. It upgraded the mainline crossovers to accommodate higher speeds, from 10 mph to 25 mph. Additional crossovers were added to the control point at 71st Street to allow access into and out of a signal-controlled siding track. Importantly, this project connects the CREATE Beltway (Project EW1) and East-West Corridors.
The project is located near Ingredion, Inc. (formerly Argo Corn Products), the largest industrial facility in the region, which handles up to 200 cars per day from three carriers (IHB, BRC, and CN). Installation of additional yard tracks in Argo Yard reduces the amount of time switching cars destined for local industry occupy the main tracks. Additional improvements necessary to create yard capacity lost as a result of installing the new main line crossovers were implemented including the realignment of switching lead tracks, installation of three new yard tracks, and creating new industry lead track to avoid switching within the control point.
Increased freight speeds and improved fluidity on the IHB allows for trains to clear Canal Interlocking more quickly, reducing the potential for freight conflict with Amtrak and Metra trains and improving travel time, speed, and reliability.
Project Benefits
CommunitiesThe Argo Connections improves the rail system by providing modern infrastructure that contributes to enhanced safety, increased operating speeds, and additional capacity.
Chicago, IL Community Areas: Bedford Park, Bridgeview, Summit, Ashburn, Chicago Lawn, West Lawn, and Clearing
Communities service by Metra Heritage Corridor service and Amtrak Texas Eagle and Lincoln Service
Jobs & EconomicsIncreased freight and passenger rail movement enables higher throughput of goods/commuters and associated economic activity.
EnvironmentalImproved operations and design reduces emissions from idling trains.
Passenger Rail ServicesImproved passenger rail service for Metra’s Heritage Corridor and Amtrak’s Lincoln and Texas Eagle services.
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 | 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
Stay Informed About These Projects
Want to stay in the know? Sign up for the CREATE newsletter to receive the latest project updates and ongoing project information.