Our Projects

Grade Separations
GS17

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

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Project initiation pending funding availability (Phase I)

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.

GS17 3 June 2020

Project Benefits

The 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

This crossing’s improvements will boost local and regional economic throughput by ensuring steady freight service.

This project will be accomplished by creating either an overpass or underpass for vehicles, creating a safer, more welcoming pedestrian experience.

Strengthening freight rail is beneficial to the rail ecosystem.

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Project Status

Phase I Upcoming
Phase II Upcoming
Phase III Upcoming

Project Status Definitions:
– Phase I: Environmental & Preliminary Engineering
– Phase II: Final Design (Plans, Specifications & Estimates)
– Phase III: Construction

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