Our Projects
Belt Railway Company of Chicago and Norfolk Southern Signalization
Topline Community Benefits
Increased speed and efficiency of the regional rail network.
Modern redesign and enhanced rail infrastructure.
Capacity and safety improvements.
Project Funding Needs
Project Location Map
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Municipality
Chicago
Project Area
| North Limit | E 94th St. |
|---|---|
| South Limit | E 98th St. |
| East Limit | Calumet River |
| West Limit | S. Commercial Ave. |
Project Overview & Impact
This completed signalization improvement has allowed train speeds to double, increasing from 10 to 20 miles per hour. The bottleneck at this location is now significantly alleviated as this segment can handle twice the number of trains, an increase from 23 to 46 freight trains per day. Amtrak trains running on the NS Chicago Subdivision are benefited by freight trains leaving the NS Chicago mainline to enter the BRC mainline at higher speeds, reducing the potential for conflict.
The work entailed an upgrade to the Belt Railway Company of Chicago (BRC) and Norfolk Southern (NS) signal systems to power switches and signals and connected the two systems. Performed minor track realignment and grading as well.
Project Benefits
CommunitiesProject EW4 decongested and bolstered the regional rail network’s capacity and efficiencies, allowing for more seamless freight and passenger flows. This reduces idling train emissions, improving the local environment.
Chicago, IL Community Areas: Calumet Heights, East Side, South Chicago, and South Deering
Jobs & EconomicsFewer freight service disruptions will increase rail capacity and throughput. This means trains can deliver goods faster to consumers.
EnvironmentalThe decongested rail network reduces locomotive emissions, improving noise and air quaity.
Passenger Rail Services14 Amtrak trains serving multiple states will experience improved reliability and service.
Get Involved
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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
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