Our Projects
Summit Signalization
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
Bedford Park, Bridgeview, Summit
Project Area
North Limit | W 59th St. |
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South Limit | 63rd St. |
East Limit | Archer Rd. |
West Limit | Service Rd. |
Project Overview & Impact
The Summit Signalization upgraded a 40 year-old signal system along the Indiana Harbor Belt (IHB) Corridor from Bedford Park to Summit, Illinois. This project increased speeds of freight trains through the project area. Prior to the $3.2 million project, passenger trains often experienced delays due to slow moving freight trains that could not clear the intersection of the Heritage Corridor and IHB rail lines, resulting from the antiquated signal system. This project’s upgraded signalization has reduced cross traffic interference with Metra and Amtrak trains on the Heritage Corridor.

Project Benefits
The Summit Signalization improves the rail system by providing modern infrastructure that contributes to enhanced safety, increased operating speeds, and additional capacity.
Nearby Chicago, IL Community Areas: Bedford Park, Bridgeview, and Summit
Communities service by Metra Heritage Corridor service and Amtrak Texas Eagle and Lincoln Service
Increased freight and passenger rail movement enables higher throughput of goods/commuters and associated economic activity.
Improved operations and design reduces emissions from idling trains.
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 |
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Phase II | Completed |
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Phase III | Completed |
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Project Status Definitions:
– Phase I: Environmental & Preliminary Engineering
– Phase II: Final Design (Plans, Specifications & Estimates)
– Phase III: Construction

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