Canadian National welcomed local dignitaries, as well as current and former employees to celebrate the grand opening of the Matteson Connection, a key piece of its Elgin, Joliet and Eastern Railway integration.

The Matteson Connection is a $30 million project that connects two CN subdivisions with a four-way connection, which allows trains to travel north, east, south or west along two rail lines.

CN is investing nearly $100 million to incorporate the EJ&E into its Chicago area lines and the Matteson Connection is the largest of those projects.

The project, which began in late 2009 and was completed on Oct. 3, included 2.5 miles of new track, 5,100 wood ties, 2,500 concrete ties, 19 switches, two bridges and required a 28-foot grade change.

For a more in depth look at the Matteson Connection and the EJ&E integration, please see our July 2010 story here.