Our Projects
Belmont Road & Metra/BNSF Grade Separation
Topline Community Benefits
Improved reliability for over 130 freight and passenger trains.
Increased utilization of the space for multimodal users, including pedestrians.
Safer roadway conditions and upgraded infrastructure.
Project Funding Needs
Project Location Map
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Municipality
Downers Grove
Project Area
| North Limit | Haddow Ave. |
|---|---|
| South Limit | Hitchcock Ave. |
| East Limit | Pershing Ave. |
| West Limit | Puffer Rd. |
Project Overview & Impact
A completed grade separation of the Belmont Road and Metra/BNSF tracks has improved the crossing by reducing the roadway congestion and upgrading the multimodal design of the infrastructure. Belmont Road now consists of two lanes of traffic in either direction, with a tunnel for pedestrians on the west side of Belmont Road.
This project increased safety by eliminating the risk of a collision between trains and motorists, pedestrians or bicyclists. More than 140 trains pass through this location every day, and no longer block traffic on Belmont Road, which handles approximately 18,000 vehicles per day. Because vehicles no longer sit idling and waiting for trains to cross, vehicular emissions are reduced, improving the quality of life for area residents.
Project Benefits
CommunitiesThe Belmont Road and Metra/BNSF Grade Separation delivers substantial time saving, safety improvements, and mobility gains for the local community and passenger/ freight rail operators.. The grade crosing separation enables greater accessibility and safety in the area.
Nearby Chicago, IL Community Areas: Downers Grove
Jobs & EconomicsThis crossing’s improvements will boost local and regional economic throughput by ensuring steady freight and commuter service.
EnvironmentalLocalized environmental improvments from vehicle and locomotive idling reductions. Enhanced local ambience.
Passenger Rail ServicesMore reliable commuter rail service for over 130 Metra and Amtrak trains. As well, access to a proposed relocated Metra station was improved.
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 |
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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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