CREATE partners receive CRISI grant for Pullman Junction project

The Chicago Region Environmental and Transportation Efficiency (CREATE) partners have received a $12.9 million federal grant for the Pullman Junction project in south Chicago.

The project will improve rail safety and fluidity, and reduce congestion throughout the Chicago Terminal by constructing a second main track, improving existing track geometry, increasing operating speeds and updating signals and switches in the junction, CREATE officials said in a press release.

The Federal Railroad Administration issued the grant through the Consolidated Rail Infrastructure and Safety Improvements Program (CRISI).

A quarter of all U.S. freight rail shipments move to, from and through Chicago each year. The Pullman Junction improvements will help remove bottlenecks and replace outdated infrastructure that slows train movements and limits capacity, CREATE officials said.

"The CRISI grant will pay dividends beyond Chicagoland to customers and families across the country who depend on the diverse products moved by rail," said Association of American Railroads (AAR) President and Chief Executive Officer Ian Jefferies. AAR is a CREATE partner.

The $12.9 million federal award leverages $65 million from the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) and $6.5 million from AAR to complete construction of the Pullman Junction project.

The grant application was submitted by the Cook County Department of Transportation and Highways on behalf of the CREATE partners, including the IDOT, Chicago Department of Transportation and AAR.

The Pullman Junction project is part of CREATE's efforts in Chicago's East-West Corridor.