NS selects TranSystems for Pullman Junction CREATE project

Norfolk Southern Railway has selected TranSystems to provide construction management services for the Chicago Region Environmental and Transportation Efficiency (CREATE) program’s Pullman Junction Interlocking Improvement Project, known as EW3-Segment A.

TranSystems will soon begin engineering and administrative management services, which are expected to continue until construction of the fully funded, $37 million track and signal project is completed in 2027. The TranSystems’ team includes four local firms.

The CREATE EW3 project calls for adding mainline track to provide additional capacity for trains waiting to access the NS Chicago Subdivision. Additional track and signal upgrades at Pullman Junction will provide greater flexibility and access to four existing mainline tracks west of the junction.

Segment A involves realigning track and upgrading signals at the north end of NS’ Calumet Yard, where its track connects to the Belt Railway Co. of Chicago. The project also includes construction of a second NS track through the junction, replacement of hand-thrown yard switches with power-operated switches, and a new sound wall.

Located near 9500 South Stony Island Ave. in Chicago, the project is the recipient of a Federal Railroad Administration Consolidated Rail Infrastructure and Safety Improvements (CRISI) grant award, according to a news release.

“[We look] forward to modernizing this heavily traveled railroad junction where three short line railroads currently crisscross NS traffic,” said Jeff Page, NS engineer of planning.