Union Pacific to Hold Open House on Illinois’ Third Main Line Project

Union Pacific is inviting the public to attend an open house Feb. 23 regarding the railroad’s Third Main Line project, which is currently underway.

The event is scheduled to take place at Geneva Public Works, 1800 South St., in Geneva, Illinois, officials said. Union Pacific will present project materials to the public at the event and representatives will be available to answer questions on the rail project from residents and other stakeholders, a local news report said. 

UP’s Third Main Line project entails constructing a third railroad line from Kress Road in West Chicago through Geneva on the UP/Metra West Line. The new rail will span a 6-mile stretch and will be installed 20 feet south of the existing tracks from Peck Road to Route 25. 

The existing tracks, heading east toward Kirk Road, will be shifted and the new line will be built on the north side, according to documents from the City of Geneva. The project began in September of 2022 and is scheduled to be completed in July of 2024. 

Union Pacific stated that construction would take place seven days a week with expanded construction hours. Regardless of previously established silent zones, federal law mandates all trains to slow down and blast their horns while entering construction areas with employees present.