Our Projects
Grade Crossing of Norfolk Southern at Morgan Street
Topline Community Benefits
Enhanced safety and improved design.
Reduction of rail and vehicle conflict.
Modernized signage and routing that allows for better communications with travelers.
Project Funding Needs
Project Location Map
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Municipality
Chicago
Project Area
| North Limit | W 37th St. |
|---|---|
| South Limit | W 43rd St. |
| East Limit | S Union Ave. |
| West Limit | S Packers Ave. |
Project Overview & Impact
This project considers a grade separation of Norfolk Southern at Morgan Street in Chicago. Freight rail traffic results in blockages of this crossing, with traffic backed up on Morgan Street and extending onto Pershing Rd., a major east-west thoroughfare in Chicago. The project will also consider as an alternative roadway and signalization improvements at the at-grade crossing, providing warnings and signage that will direct motorists to alternate routes when the crossing is blocked.
The project will select either a (1) grade separation to eliminate rail and auto conflict or (2) improved roadway design and upgraded signalization to direct motorists to use alternative routes which will bypass the blocked crossing, thereby reducing traffic delays. These improvements will also increase the visibility of warning systems to prevent vehicle-rail collisions and improve safety.
Project Benefits
CommunitiesThe Grade Crossing of Norfolk Southern at Morgan Street will improve vehicular and freight traffic flow. At a major east-west thoroughfare in Chicago, the area will have enhanced flow which will reduce congestion, increase traveler speeds, and bolster safety through design and communication improvements.
Chicago, IL Community Areas: McKinley Park, Bridgeport, and Canaryville.
Jobs & EconomicsImproved traffic speeds will lessen commute times, saving commuters time and money.
EnvironmentalA reduction in traffic delays improves local air quality due to a reduction in vehicular emissions.
Passenger Rail ServicesMultiple freight operators will benefit from a reduced risk with vehicular traffic and less congested conditions.
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.
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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 | Underway |
|---|
| Phase II | Upcoming |
|---|
| Phase III | Upcoming |
|---|
Project Status Definitions:
– Phase I: Environmental & Preliminary Engineering
– Phase II: Final Design (Plans, Specifications & Estimates)
– Phase III: Construction
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