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Chicago Region Environmental and Transportation Efficiency (CREATE) program partners recently launched the $10.4 million Project WA3 and let the program’s largest contractor award so far for a portion of the work.

James McHugh Construction Co. obtained a $5.6 million contract to replace bridge decks on the Halsted, Emerald and Union street viaducts, and rebuild support columns in roadways and sidewalks. The remainder of the work calls for Norfolk Southern Railway to install additional track through the project area. The U.S. Department of Transportation is funding 80 percent of project costs and freight railroads are covering the remainder.

Under way east of the Chicago Stockyards Industrial District, the project will double the capacity of a rail corridor through the stockyards, accommodate faster train speeds and incorporate modern signaling systems. Construction is scheduled for completion by late 2010.

CREATE's public-private partners include Amtrak, the Association of American Railroads, BNSF Railway Co., Belt Railway Co. of Chicago, CN, Canadian Pacific, CSX Transportation, Indiana Harbor Belt Railroad Co., Metra, NS, Union Pacific Railroad, and the Illinois and Chicago Departments of Transportation.

The nearly $3 billion program — which includes 78 separate projects — calls for building grade separations and upgrading track, switches, signal systems, grade crossings and other infrastructure in and around Chicago to reduce train delays, relieve rail and highway congestion, and improve public safety.