CREATE project to improve rail infrastructure in Stockyards area

The Chicago Region Environmental and Transportation Efficiency Program partners said a $10.4-million project (Project WA3) now under construction east of the Chicago Stockyards Industrial District is the largest awarded to a contractor to date. It will double the capacity of the rail corridor through the Stockyards by adding additional tracks, enabling faster train speeds and utilizing modern signaling technology. Construction is expected to be completed by late 2010 and will rehabilitate the railroad viaducts over Halsted, Emerald, and Union Streets.

"We are pleased to
continue our ongoing efforts to rehabilitate and replace many of our structures
in the Chicago area, particularly as part of a project that has significant
benefits for residents of the Stockyard area, the City of Chicago, and freight
rail shippers throughout the U.S.," said Jim Carter, Norfolk Southern’s
chief engineer for bridges and structures. "This is a crucial rail route
connecting eastern and western railroads, and these improvements will speed
train operations and reduce both road and rail congestion in the area."

"This project is
putting people to work at a time when unemployment in Illinois stands at a
26-year high and job creation is America’s top priority," said Congressman
Dan Lipinski (Dill.), who obtained $100 million for CREATE in the 2005 federal
transportation reauthorization and worked with state leaders to help secure
another $300 million for CREATE in the recently passed state capital bill.
"Moreover, it will result in vital improvements to our transportation
infrastructure that will benefit the region for decades to come. In order for
Chicago to remain the country’s rail shipping hub, we need to unclog the system
by increasing capacity and improving the flow of train traffic."

"This is a CREATE
project that will enhance transportation efforts across the board," said Illinois
Transportation Secretary Gary Hannig "We are pleased to see transportation
improvements being made in the Chicagoland area and the rehab of these viaducts
is another example of us all working together to make our railroads stronger,
safer and more effective."

"The rehabilitation of
these three viaducts over City streets will improve conditions for
thousands of motorists and pedestrians who travel under them each day, as well
as enhance the safety and appearance of these structures for the surrounding
community," said Jeffrey Sriver, CREATE Program Director for the Chicago
Department of Transportation.

As part of the $10.4-million
project, a $5.6-million contract has been awarded to Chicago-based James McHugh
Construction Co. to completely replace the bridge decks on the Halsted, Emerald
and Union Street viaducts and rebuild the support columns in the roadways and
sidewalks. In conjunction with the viaduct work, the remaining funds have been
allocated to the installation of additional track by Norfolk Southern through
the project area. This project was 80 percent funded by the U.S. Department of
Transportation and 20 percent funded by the freight railroad industry.

The CREATE program is a
first-of-its-kind partnership, bringing together Illinois DOT, the City of
Chicago Department of Transportation and the Association of American Railroads.
CREATE comprises 78 critically needed rail and highway infrastructure
improvements in Northeastern Illinois, aimed at improving the quality of life
of Illinois residents and increasing the efficiency of freight and passenger
rail service throughout the region and across the U.S.