Our Projects
Signalization of Blue Island Yard Running Tracks
Topline Community Benefits
Increased freight and passenger 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
Blue Island, Dolton, Riverdale
Project Area
| North Limit | 138th St. |
|---|---|
| South Limit | W 142nd St. |
| East Limit | Indiana Ave. |
| West Limit | S Western Ave. |
Project Overview & Impact
This completed project has enabled train speeds to increase in the area from 15 mph to 30 mph. Now, trains can pass through this segment in as little as six minutes. Previously trains experienced 15 to 30 minutes of delay for every hand-operated switch navigated as well as delays waiting for other trains to navigate the project limits with manual switches. Most trains used to spend up to one hour to traverse the limits of this project.
A new bi-directional computerized Traffic Control System (TCS) was installed on a three-mile segment of Indiana Harbor Belt (IHB) mainline track along the north side of Blue Island Yard. Two new control points were added, including installation of a series of crossovers at CP School Street and a turnout at CP Ashland. Additional crossovers were added to CP Harvey. The project also included the installation of electric lock switches and the replacement of approximately five hand-thrown switches with power operated switches. Overall, increased freight speeds and improved fluidity on the IHB allow trains to clear Dolton Interlocking more quickly, reducing the potential for freight conflict with Amtrak and improving travel time, speed, and reliability.
Project Benefits
CommunitiesThis signalization work improves the rail system by providing modern infrastructure that contributes to enhanced safety, increased operating speeds, and additional capacity.
Nearby Chicago, IL Community Areas: Blue Island, Riverdale and Dolton
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 Amtrak’s Cardinal and Hoosier State 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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