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Beltway Corridor
B3

Melrose Connection

Topline Community Benefits

Increased freight rail reliability for over 25 trains.

Modern physical infrastructure upgrades.

Enhanced capacity and operational efficiency.

Project Funding Needs

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Fully funded and complete

Project Location Map

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Municipality

Bellwood

Project Area

North Limit Lake St.
South Limit Erie St.
East Limit 25th Ave.
West Limit I-294

Project Overview & Impact

Prior to the completion of this project, trains departing Proviso Yard on the original single track would block the Indiana Harbor Belt Railroad (IHB) main lines, preventing other trains from moving through the area at the same time. This project added new track on a new bridge to create a second connection between the IHB and Union Pacific’s Proviso Yard.

The second connection on the new rail bridge allows trains to maintain active operation on the IHB at the same time trains are entering and departing Proviso Yard, which greatly increases capacity.

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Project Benefits

The Melrose Connection improves the rail system by providing enhanced reliability, increased capacity and less congestion for rail operators.

Nearby Chicago, IL Community Areas: Bellwood

Increased freight movement enables higher throughput of goods and associated economic activity. 

Improved operations and design reduces emissions from idling trains.

Freight system improvements benefit the entire rail system.

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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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