Our Projects
Calumet Tower (IN)
Topline Community Benefits
The Calumet Tower is one of twelve tower projects that strategically mitigate systemwide inefficiencies.
Upgraded infrastructure to enhance freight and passenger rail services
Increased traveler speeds and goods movement
Safer work environment for rail employees
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
East Chicago, IN
Project Area
| North Limit | 145th St. |
|---|---|
| South Limit | E Chicago Ave. |
| East Limit | Euclid Ave. |
| West Limit | Kennedy Ave. |
Project Overview & Impact
The Calumet Tower benefits numerous rail-adjacent communities and rail industries by increasing the reliability of train operations at key crossings throughout the region. Reducing signal systems’ failure rate due to antiquated infrastructure, Amtrak and Metra delays stemming from periodic signal failures will be less. This reduces the need for hand flagging of the interlocking.
The upgrading of signal systems at major at-grade railroad crossings may involve communication upgrades to enable remote operation.
Project Benefits
CommunitiesImproved freight and passenger rail systems better rail services and the environments around rail for all residents, consumers and passengers.
Communities in greater Chicago and Northwest Indiana
Communities along the Metra routes Metra Milwaukee North and Milwaukee West, Metra North Central, Metra Electric, Metra Rock Island, Metra SouthWest, Metra Heritage, and UP Northwest
Communities along the Amtrak routes to/from Chicago (except the BNSF California Zephyr and Southwest Chief routes to the West)
Jobs & EconomicsTower improvements increase the flow of commerce, transit, and workers throughout the region.
EnvironmentalLess congestion improves local air quality.
Passenger Rail ServicesReduced Amtrak and Metra delay due to periodic signal failures which increases reliability of train operations.
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.