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
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. |
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
CommunitiesThe 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 & EconomicsIncreased freight and passenger rail movement enables higher throughput of goods/commuters and associated economic activity.
EnvironmentalImproved operations and design reduces emissions from idling trains.
Passenger Rail ServicesImproved 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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