Our Projects
Western Avenue Corridor
Corwith Tower Upgrade
Topline Community Benefits
Increased freight and passenger rail reliability and speeds for more than 65 lines.
Upgraded track and signal infrastructure enabling remote communications.
Added system resiliency to extreme weather events.
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
Chicago
Project Area
North Limit | Stevenson Expy |
---|---|
South Limit | BNSF Corwith yard |
East Limit | Kedzie Ave. |
West Limit | S Pulaski Rd. |
Project Overview & Impact
The completed signal system that replaced Corwith Tower provides significant benefits to trains moving in and out of BNSF’s Corwith Yard. The project included the installation of a new signal system at the west end of BNSF’s Corwith Yard, which supports automation and remote control of Corwith Tower; upgrades to the track and signals; and a reconfiguration of the Corwith Interlocking where the BNSF Chillicothe Subdivision and CN Joliet Subdivision/Metra Heritage Corridor rail lines cross.
The yard is located at the easternmost point for BNSF’s transcontinental route from Los Angeles to Chicago, the busiest intermodal route in the nation. The improved signals, upgraded track, and reconfigured Corwith Interlocking increase fluidity and reliability in and out of the yard. The improvements have improved switch reliability, which was a particular issue during cold weather, and which also improves Amtrak and Metra reliability on the adjacent Heritage Corridor.
Project Benefits
Improved rail systems provide enhanced reliability and less congestion for rail operators, residents, and passengers.
Chicago, IL Community Areas: Brighton Park, South Lawndale, and North Lawndale
Rail improvements increase the flow of commerce and goods movement throughout the region and make commuter rail service more reliable.
Decongested railways reduce emissions from idling locomotives.
More than 15 rail lines experience reliability improvements from this project.
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.