Stakeholders break ground on CREATE’s 75th Street improvement project

CSX President and CEO Jim Foote speaks at a gathering of stakeholders to break ground on the CREATE Program’s 75th St. CIP.

Mischa Wanek-Libman

A groundbreaking ceremony was held Oct. 1 for the Chicago Region Environmental and Transportation Efficiency (CREATE) Program’s 75^th Street Corridor Improvements Project (75^th St. CIP).

The $474-million project, which is the largest in the CREATE Program, will eliminate a rail chokepoint used by nearly 500 freight trains and 760 passenger trains per day. The CREATE Program estimates that when the project is completed in 2025, it will eliminate 32,000 annual passenger hours of delay from rail travel in the region.

“For too long, congestion and delays have defined transportation and commerce in the Chicagoland area,” U.S. Sen. Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) said. “Illinoisans deserve a safe, efficient and reliable rail system, and today we’re a step closer to that reality.”

The project was awarded the largest single Infrastructure for Rebuilding America (INFRA) grant, more than $132 million, during the latest round of funding. In addition to the INFRA grant, freight railroads are contributing $116 million, Illinois Department of Transportation is contributing $111 million, Cook County is contributing $78 million, Metra is contributing $23 million, Chicago Department of Transportation is contributing $9 million and Amtrak is contributing $5 million.

“The CREATE Program is grounded in a simple idea — solutions to big challenges only happen when everyone is at the table,” said Edward R. Hamberger, president and CEO of the Association of American Railroads. “We are all committed to improving service for both Chicago rail commuters and freight customers nationwide, and this project dramatically moves the ball forward by untangling one of the most congested points in the U.S. rail network. America’s railroads are here for the long-haul as we continue to advance rail in Chicago.”

The INFRA grant award will be applied toward five individual projects including the construction of the Argo Connection; design and construction of a grade separation at 71^st Street; design and construction of a freight flyover; design of a commuter/freight flyover and design for a realignment for freight tracks, as well as the addition of a commuter track.

The Argo Connection, also known as B9, which will build additional track and signals allowing for increased train speeds is scheduled to begin next year. Design and construction of the other four projects will follow.