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Beltway Corridor
B16

Thornton Junction Connection

Topline Community Benefits

Increased freight rail reliability for 80 trains.

Enhanced connectivity between lines.

Improved routing flexibility.

Project Funding Needs

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Fully funded and complete

Project Location Map

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Municipality

South Holland

Project Area

North Limit E 164th St.
South Limit E 168th St.
East Limit South Park Ave.
West Limit State St.

Project Overview & Impact

Thornton Junction installed a new interlocked connection between the CN and UP/CSX subdivisions in the southwest quadrant of the crossing. As part of the project, the team installed upgrades between the area near 168th Street and State Street.

Previously the UP and CN tracks crossed each other but did not connect. Due to the lack of a connection, trains could not switch from one line to the other. The new connection allows trains to switch between the lines and provides increased flexibility for dispatchers routing trains throughout the Chicago Terminal District.

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Project Benefits

The Thornton Junction Connection improves regional rail by enhancing connectivity and flexibility in the system.

Nearby Chicago, IL Community Areas: South Holland

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

Improved operations and design reduces emissions from idling trains.

Freight rail system benefits support 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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