Chicago Region Environmental and Transportation Efficiency Program (CREATE), Chicago, Illinois (Under Construction)

CREATE Construction Project Source: http://www.createprogram.org/images/brighton_park/Brighton%20Park%203.JPG

Chicago today remains the busiest rail gateway in the United States, accounting for one-third of the nation's freight rail traffic. Each day, about 1,200 trains pass through the region. As the region has grown, so have traffic jams, commuter delays and rail shipping times due to the convergence of automobiles and trucks with passenger and freight trains. Over the next 20 years, demand for freight rail service in Chicago is expected to nearly double.

In response, The Chicago DOT, the Association of American Railroads, and the Illinois DOT, in cooperation with the US DOT are completing capital improvements to increase the efficiency of the Chicago region's rail infrastructure. CREATE will reduce train delays and congestion throughout the Chicago area by focusing rail traffic on five rail corridors. The work includes:

• 25 new roadway overpasses or underpasses at locations where auto and pedestrian traffic currently crosses railroad tracks at grade level
• 6 new rail overpasses or underpasses to separate passenger and freight train tracks
• Viaduct improvements
• Grade crossing safety enhancements
• Extensive upgrades of tracks, switches and signal systems.

To learn more about the CREATE Program, please visit www.createprogram.org.

To learn about other major highway projects in the United States, please visit FHWA's Major Project website.