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The Chicago Region and Environmental Transportation Efficiency (CREATE) project — proposed in June through a public/private partnership comprising the Illinois and Chicago departments of transportation, Association of American Railroads, Class Is and Metra — is garnering Windy City-area support from civic groups, businesses, and planning and trade organizations.

So far, the Chicagoland Chamber of Commerce, Consulting Engineers Council of Illinois, Illinois Chamber of Commerce, Illinois Road and Transportation Builders Association, Metropolis 2020, Metropolitan Mayors Caucus, Metropolitan Planning Council, Midwest High-Speed Rail Coalition, Union League Club, United Transportation Union's Illinois Legislative Board and World Business Chicago have endorsed the project.

CREATE partners hope to spend $1.5 billion to create five rail corridors, including one primarily for passenger trains; grade separate 25 crossings to eliminate commuter delays; build six flyovers to separate freight- and commuter-rail traffic; and remove a downtown rail corridor to foster commercial development.

The partners currently are trying to secure national endorsements for the project. Many federal and state agencies already have voiced support, according to a prepared statement.