Our Projects

Beltway Corridor

McCook Connection

Topline Community Benefits

Increased freight and passenger rail reliability for over 90 trains.

Significant speed improvements.

Modern physical and digital infrastructure upgrades.

Enhanced capacity and operational efficiency.

Project Funding Needs

Fully funded and complete

Project Location Map

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Municipality

McCook

Project Area

North Limit	W. 55th St.
South Limit	67th St.
East Limit	Des Plaines River
West Limit	Kane Ave.

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Project Overview & Impact

The McCook Connection constructed a second connecting track between BNSF and Indiana Harbor Belt/CSX and extended the existing connecting track an additional 7,000 feet. This increased maximum speeds to 25 mph from 10 mph and increased capacity of this segment. Improved freight train movement has reduced conflict with passenger trains along the Heritage Corridor. Additional signalization was added to improve visibility, as well.

Project Benefits

Communities

The McCook Connection improves the rail system by providing modern infrastructure that contributes to enhanced reliability, increased operating speeds, and additional capacity for both freight and rail operators.

Nearby Chicago, IL Community Areas: McCook

Jobs & Economics

Increased freight and passenger rail movement enables higher throughput of goods/commuters and associated economic activity.

Environmental

Improved operations and design reduces emissions from idling trains.

Passenger Rail Services

Improved passenger rail service for Metra’s Heritage Corridor and Amtrak’s Lincoln and Texas Eagle services.

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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