Our Projects
Western Avenue & CSX Grade Separation
Topline Community Benefits
Substantial time savings and safety improvements by reducing collision potential.
Improved mobility for all roadway and freight rail users.
Idling vehicle reductions will result in an emissions reduction and localized air quality improvements.
Environmental enhancements will benefit pedestrians and active transportation users.
Project Funding Needs
Project Location Map
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Municipality
Blue Island
Project Area
| North Limit | 135th Pl. |
|---|---|
| South Limit | 136th St. |
| East Limit | Old Western Ave. |
| West Limit | Greenwood Ave. |
Project Overview & Impact
The Western Avenue and CSX Grade Separation will consider eliminating the at-grade crossings on Western Avenue and the three CSX railroad tracks. This will be accomplished by creating either an overpass or underpass for vehicles at this location.
Daily, 8,200 vehicles and 100 Pace buses (#349) pass through the crossing. This project will reduce roadway congestion and improve safety at this grade crossing. The grade crossing separation will eliminate delay to over 1,500 vehicles daily, resulting in alleviation of almost 33,700 annual motorist hours of delay. It will also eliminate the potential for collisions between vehicles and at least 40 trains.
Project Benefits
CommunitiesThe Western Avenue and CSX Grade Separation will create substantial time saving and environmental improvements. The project will benefit roadway and freight rail users.
Nearby Chicago, IL Community Areas: Blue Island
Jobs & EconomicsThis crossing’s improvements will boost local and regional economic throughput by ensuring steady freight service.
EnvironmentalThis project will be accomplished by creating either an overpass or underpass for vehicles, creating a safer, more welcoming pedestrian experience.
Passenger Rail ServicesStrengthening freight rail is beneficial to the rail ecosystem.
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 | Upcoming |
|---|
| Phase II | Upcoming |
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| Phase III | Upcoming |
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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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