Our Projects
Third Mainline – 123rd Street to Cal Sag Channel
Topline Community Benefits
Increased freight rail reliability for over 75 trains.
Enhanced capacity and operational efficiency.
Modern physical infrastructure upgrades.
Project Funding Needs
Project Location Map
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Municipality
Alsip, Blue Island
Project Area
| North Limit | 123rd St. |
|---|---|
| South Limit | Cal Sag Channel |
| East Limit | Western Ave. |
| West Limit | S Kostner Ave. |
Project Overview & Impact
Prior to completion of this project, freight trains destined to Barr and Blue Island Yards to the east waited at this location for access to the yards, creating congestion on the main line tracks. This project involved construction of a third main line along the Indiana Harbor Belt, upgrading of some existing track at interlockings, a new rail bridge over 127th Street and associated signal work.
The new third main line track now provides additional capacity for trains passing through the area to proceed around trains waiting for yard access.
Project Benefits
CommunitiesThe Third Mainline – 123rd Street to Cal Sag Channel improves the rail system by providing modern infrastructure that provides additional capacity and efficiency.
Nearby Chicago, IL Community Areas: Blue Island and Alsip
Jobs & EconomicsIncreased freight rail movement enables higher throughput of goods and associated economic activity.
EnvironmentalImproved operations and design reduces emissions from idling trains.
Passenger Rail ServicesFreight rail system benefits support the entire rail system.
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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