Our Projects
Blue Island Junction
Topline Community Benefits
Increased freight rail reliability and speeds for more than 30 lines.
Upgraded rail infrastructure enabling more capacity.
Greater system connectivity and direct routing.
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
Blue Island
Project Area
North Limit | W 119th St. |
---|---|
South Limit | Broadway St. |
East Limit | Western Ave. |
West Limit | S Kedzie Ave. |
Project Overview & Impact
This completed project installed a series of crossovers between the CSX Blue Island and Elsdon Subdivisions, and new signals at Blue Island Junction to facilitate bi-directional movements. Previously, CSX had double-track main lines running roughly parallel through the Blue Island Junction with no connection between them. The absence of a connection between the two CSX tracks at this location severely limited the possible routes traversing the Blue Island Junction. This junction is a major regional intersection where the Indiana Harbor Belt and CSX corridors connect and the Belt and Western Avenue Corridors cross.
These new crossovers provide direct routes for trains to switch between the tracks in both directions at Blue Island Junction. Previously, to transfer trains from Barr Yard to Clearing Yard, trains had to take a circuitous route. The completed improvements provide CSX a new, more direct route from CSX trackage to the BRC line. With the new connection completed by Project WA 10, two to three hours of transfer time for trains moving between Barr and Clearing Yards has been eliminated for three CSX trains per day. This project also made associated signal improvements including installation of new traffic control signals on both the CSX lines. All of this work was performed within the existing railroad right-of-way.

Project Benefits
Improved rail systems provide enhanced reliability and less congestion for rail operators, residents, and passengers.
Chicago, IL Community Areas: West Elsdon and Blue Island
Through this work, dozens of trains reach their destinations more quickly, improving goods movement and throughout. The completed project also created a new route, which did not exist previously. This allows for even more intermodal movement.
The project removed traffic from the congested Belt and Western Avenue Corridors, which reduces emissions and pollutants.
Freight rail enhancements benefit the entire rail system.
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.