; Union Pacific Third Mainline - Proviso Yard - CREATE Program

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Union Pacific Third Mainline – Proviso Yard

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Location

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

60 Freight Trains (CN, CP, IHB, CSX, UP, NS)

59 UP-West Metra trains

Communities Benefited:

  • Elmhurst, Melrose Park, Bellwood, and Berkeley

Benefits

The project increased the number of simultaneous train movements and routing options possible for both passenger and freight traffic. freight trains now have an additional track for mobility during Metra rush hour and avoid standing delays of 3 to 4 hours, which were common during the rush hour periods when Metra has priority. Previously, Metra had access to both main tracks for operation in both directions during peak periods, and freight trains were held stationary while waiting for route availability. Conversely, when freight trains proceeded but were unable to clear the location in the time allowed, Metra trains often experienced delays.

Now, Metra trains can operate unimpeded on two main tracks, while freight trains utilize the third main line, and can operate around slow-moving freight trains entering or leaving Proviso Yard. Additionally, freight trains can traverse the area more freely. The new pedestrian underpasses at the Bellwood and Berkeley Metra stations facilitate safe and efficient movement of commuters from the parking lot to the center platform without crossing the tracks at grade.

Wheel in Motion 1 1
Wheel in Motion 1 1
rail inspection

Scope of Work

Constructed a 3.5-mile third main track on the UP Geneva Subdivision, including construction of a new railroad bridge over Addison Creek, allowing for increased operating speeds on the connection between the Indiana Harbor Belt (IHB) and UP. Constructed a new flyover connection from the IHB to the UP, which crosses over the UP main line tracks and connects with the new third main track and Proviso Yard.

Control points were reconfigured at three locations, along with associated signaling for the new main track. The connection track between the UP and IHB was upgraded to increase allowable speeds from 10 mph to 20 mph. The Metra Berkeley and Bellwood passenger stations on the UP-West line were improved and pedestrian underpasses were constructed at both stations.

Project Status

Phase I Completed
Phase II Completed
Phase III Completed
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Project Location Map

Project outlines and locations shown above are approximations and do not necessarily represent final design and construction limits.