CN Introduces Sutton-Spaulding Double Track Extension; Gives Update on Infrastructure (UPDATED 1/27)
Written by Jennifer McLawhorn, Managing Editor
Sutton-Spaulding double track extension
Courtesy of CN
CHICAGO - CN's Sutton-Spaulding double track extension is in service.
*Updated: 1/27*
CN announced on its site its efforts to improve fluidity in Chicago. In 2023, CN noted the area between Sutton and Spaulding needed a four-mile siding extension. The extended siding improves capacity and reduces staging in the high-traffic corridor. CN also states the siding reduces the need for rebrews by enhancing operational efficiency and ensuring faster recovery from incidents. The project was slated to complete in Q2 of 2024. However, with issues involving drainage, tree removal permits, etc., the project finished in 2025.
In December 2024, Assistant Chief, Production, Wade Clark came up with a solution that involved building the track entirely in-house.
Patrick Whitehead, Executive Vice President & Chief Network Operations Officer for CN, said the double track extension included more than 4 miles of double track, grading, signals, and bridge work. Shared via LinkedIn, the double track extension allows for a 30% increase in area speed and 17% increase in capacity. Below is a gallery of images, courtesy of CN, that show the project:
The work was made possible by the collaborative efforts of CN’s Engineering, Transportation, and Regional Operations Center (ROC) teams. General Manager Jeremiah Thomas led the Transportation team through daily work blocks and operations. Senior Manager Terrance Trendl of the ROC team coordinated train movements to ensure traffic kept going.
