Our Projects

Beltway Corridor
B9

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

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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, 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.

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Project Benefits

The 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

Increased freight and passenger rail movement enables higher throughput of goods/commuters and associated economic activity.

Improved operations and design reduces emissions from idling trains.

Improved passenger rail service for Metra’s Heritage Corridor and Amtrak’s Lincoln and Texas Eagle services.

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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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