U.S. Department of Transportation Secretary Norman Mineta sent a letter of support for the CREATE plan that assigns a team to provide guidance and help Chicago move the project forward.
While debates about the much-awaited federal transportation bill continue among congressional leaders, U.S. Rep. William Lipinski (D-Illinois) is “encouraged” that the reauthorized legislation will provide funds for the Chicago Regional Environmental and Transportation Efficiency (CREATE) project.
“DOT is a strong supporter of the CREATE program goals,” stated U.S. DOT Secretary Norman Mineta in a recent letter to Rep. Lipinski. “I agree that the proposed transportation improvements constitute a program of national significance.”
As the rail hub of the nation, more than 40,000 freight cars move throughout the region, at average speeds of only 6.8 to 12 mph. Six transcontinental railroad systems converge on Chicago, none of which are adequately cross-connected. This results in the transfer of 3,500 containers per day between rail yards by truck and traffic congestion. It also has a ripple effect on the nationwide movement of freight. Rail freight coming in from the west coast usually takes approximately two days to arrive in Chicago, and it often takes this long again just to move through the Chicago region.
The CREATE project, unveiled in June 2003, is a public/ private effort by the City of Chicago, Illinois Department of Transportation and the Association of American Railroads. The $1.5-billion project is aimed at addressing the issues stated above as well as passenger and freight conflicts; minimizing motorist delays and easing congestion; and providing economic, environmental, and energy benefits for the region.
Specifically, the plan focuses on improving operations in five specific corridors in Chicago and theinner suburbs by:creating grade separations at 25 road-to-rail crossings; building "flyovers" at six rail-to-rail crossings, four of which will separate commuter/passenger rail operations from freight operations; replacing outdated tracks and switches; and installing better train control mechanisms.
For more information on CREATE, contact Karyn Romano at 312.326.6005.