Metra, CP break ground on CREATE project

Metra and Canadian Pacific have begun a project to upgrade signals and add several crossover tracks in Franklin Park, Illinois. The effort is the 34th project to begin under the Chicago Region Environmental and Transportation Efficiency Program (CREATE).

Crews will install five crossovers and associated signaling on Metra's track serving its Milwaukee District West Line and CP. The area is located between the grade crossings of Scott Street and Ruby Street.

Also as part of the project, crews will install a crossover between the Indiana Harbor Belt Railroad (IHB) and CN tracks between Chestnut and Grand avenues, CREATE officials said in a press release.

Currently, freight trains pass through the CP's Bensenville Yard in Franklin Park to access the IHB mainline tracks. When the project is completed, 12 daily freight trains will be able to bypass the yard on existing Metra tracks.

That effort will reduce the potential for freight-train delay to 58 Metra trains, which will improve the commuter railroad's flexibility at the Franklin Park Station, CREATE officials said.

As a CREATE partner, Metra is leading the project "to improve movement for our passengers," said Metra Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer Don Orseno.

"We have always been committed to working with our freight partners to improve the movement of trains in our region," he added.

Construction is scheduled for completion in 2019.

CREATE is a public-private partnership to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of freight, commuter and intercity rail service in the Chicago region.