Our Projects
Western Avenue Corridor
BNSF Horseshoe
Topline Community Benefits
Reduction of safety and delay issues.
Increased freight rail reliability.
Upgraded rail infrastructure and rehabilitated ancillary infrastructure.
Project Funding Needs
Project Location Map
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Municipality
Chicago
Project Area
| North Limit | W 16th Pl. |
|---|---|
| South Limit | I-55 |
| East Limit | S Western Ave. |
| West Limit | S California Ave. |
Project Overview & Impact
The project constructed a new track from 31st and California Avenue on the Burlington Northern Santa Fe (BNSF) Chillicothe Subdivision along Western Avenue to 21st Street and California on the BNSF Chicago Subdivision. Prior to this project, a direct connection did not exist between the BNSF Chicago and BNSF Chillicothe Subdivisions. Now, the connection allows for movement between BNSF’s Corwith and Cicero Yards, eliminating the safety and delay issues of long reverse moves that currently take place. This project also built new connections from the CN Freeport Subdivision to the CREATE Western Avenue Corridor.
As well, several bridges over city streets and over the Chicago Sanitary and Ship Canal were rehabilitated. There was installation of crossover switches between the BNSF Chillicothe Subdivision and the CN Freeport Subdivision, and crossovers between the new track and CSX Blue Island Subdivision. Finally, Centralized Traffic Control signalization was implemented over the length of the project.
Project Benefits
CommunitiesImproved freight rail systems improve rail service and the local environment for rail operators, residents, and passengers.
Chicago, IL Community Areas: Douglas Park, South Lawndale, Little Village, and Brighton Park
Jobs & EconomicsRail improvements increase the flow of commerce and goods movement throughout the region.
EnvironmentalLess congested railways improve local air quality.
Passenger Rail ServicesFreight rail improvements benefit the entire rail network.
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
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