Our Projects
Grade Separations
Central Avenue & Indiana Harbor Belt Grade Separation
Topline Community Benefits
Reduced roadway congestion and improved safety at a highly frequented crossing.
Lessened potential for collisions between vehicles and trains.
80 freight trains will benefit from investments.
Project Funding Needs
Project Location Map
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Municipality
Chicago Ridge, Oak Lawn
Project Area
| North Limit | 107th St. |
|---|---|
| South Limit | Pleasant Blvd. |
| East Limit | S Washington St. |
| West Limit | Parkside Ave. |
Project Overview & Impact
Daily, 19,400 vehicles pass through the at-grade crossing of Central Avenue at the two Indiana Harbor Belt tracks. This project will reduce roadway congestion and improve safety at this location by eliminating the at-grade crossing. This will be accomplished by creating either an overpass or underpass for vehicles at this location.
The grade crossing separation will eliminate delay to nearly 2,450 vehicles daily, resulting in alleviation of almost 18,700 annual motorist hours of delay. It will also eliminate the potential for collisions between vehicles and trains.
Project Benefits
CommunitiesRemoval of the at-grade crossing along with safety and congestion improvements will improve the user’s experience through this highly trafficked corridor.
Nearby Chicago, IL Community Areas: Chicago Ridge and Oak Lawn
Jobs & EconomicsThe grade crossing separation will save travel time to nearly 2,450 vehicles daily, alleviating almost 18,700 annual motorist hours of delay. This will benefit commuters and throughput.
EnvironmentalLessened congestion equals more fuel savings and less idling emissions.
Passenger Rail ServicesFreight rail enhancements benefit passenger rail systems as well.
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 | Upcoming |
|---|
| Phase II | Upcoming |
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| Phase III | Upcoming |
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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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