Our Projects
Beltway Corridor
LaGrange/Broadview Signalization
Topline Community Benefits
Increased freight rail reliability for over 55 trains.
Significant speed improvements.
Modern physical and digital infrastructure upgrades.
Enhanced capacity and operational efficiency.
Project Funding Needs
Project Location Map
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Municipality
LaGrange, La Grange Park, McCook
Project Area
| North Limit | Lake St. |
|---|---|
| South Limit | W 47th St. |
| East Limit | East Ave. |
| West Limit | Barnsdale Rd. |
Project Overview & Impact
Prior to completing the La Grange/Broadview Signalization, most trains spent up to 2 hours traversing the limits of this project due to the hand-thrown switches and restricted speeds. These signal improvements and powering of hand thrown switches now allow trains to pass through this segment in as little as 20 minutes. Trains now can operate up to 30 mph, a significant increase from a “restricted speed” (between 1 and 20 mph) prior to the project.
Trains also have greater flexibility for simultaneous and bidirectional train movements with the addition of two control points. At the northern end of the project area trains enter and exit Proviso Yard. The signal improvements have provided more options to move trains in and out of the yard and pass around stationary trains waiting for route availability.
The signal system upgrades provide greater visibility for the train dispatcher, enabling him or her to know the exact locations of trains in the area. This enhances the dispatcher’s ability to route more trains through the territory, expanding overall capacity. Additionally, greater flexibility to keep trains moving reduces conflict with at-grade highway crossings at the south end of the project area in LaGrange and La Grange Park (47th and East/Eberly, Cossitt, Lincoln Ave, Shawmut, Harding Ave., and 31st Ave.)
This project included an installation of a new bi-directional computerized Traffic Control System (TCS) along a seven-mile segment of the Indiana Harbor Belt (IHB), and it upgraded IHB track from a siding track to a mainline track. It upgraded over a dozen hand-thrown switches to power switches. The installation of a new Control Point (CP Broadview) included installing a universal crossover to the CN, enabling trains to switch tracks when traveling in either direction.
In addition, the project upgraded the West Pass siding track to a controlled, signaled siding. New control points were added at CP Madison, CP Broadview, and CP 22nd St. Another control point (CP Rose) was reconfigured and the prior hand-operated switches at Lake St. were replaced with power switches and included as part of a new control point – CP Rose Lake. The project also included installing higher-speed crossovers at CP LaGrange.
Project Benefits
CommunitiesThe La Grange/Broadview Signalization improves the rail system by providing modern infrastructure that contributes to enhanced reliability, increased operating speeds, and additional capacity.
Nearby Chicago, IL Community Areas: Bellwood, Broadview, La Grange Park, La Grange, McCook, and Melrose Park
Jobs & EconomicsIncreased freight movement enables higher throughput of goods and associated economic activity.
EnvironmentalImproved operations and design reduces emissions from idling trains.
Passenger Rail ServicesFreight system improvements benefit the entire rail system.
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
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