Our Projects

Western Avenue Corridor

WA5

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

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Fully funded and complete

Project Location Map

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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.

WA5 2

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.

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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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