Elmwood Park railroad crossing project moves forward with $13M in federal aid

A long-awaited effort to enhance safety at the Elmwood Park railroad crossing project has gained momentum with a $13M federal grant. This crucial development will help reduce traffic congestion and prevent future collisions. This was reported by the railway transport news portal Railway Supply.

Major Funding Boost for Elmwood Park Railroad Crossing Project

The Grand Avenue crossing in Elmwood Park, notorious for its hazardous design, sees approximately 120 train crossings daily, posing significant risks for drivers and pedestrians. The tracks intersect the roadway at a sharp 10-degree angle, forming a 366-foot-long passage recognized as Illinois’ second deadliest crossing.

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Since 2018, the site has witnessed 160 vehicle collisions, resulting in multiple fatalities and severe injuries. Local officials have pushed for a safer design for decades, but extensive engineering work has delayed progress. On Saturday, Elmwood Park Mayor Skip Saviano and other government leaders announced a major funding milestone.

“We’re incredibly grateful for this investment, which marks a huge step toward safety improvements,” said Rep. Delia Ramirez. The federal grant, amounting to $13.1M, will finance the next phase of the Grand Gateway Project, a large-scale infrastructure plan.

How the Elmwood Park Railroad Crossing Project Will Improve Safety?

The upcoming phase focuses on constructing an underpass at the crossing, separating vehicle lanes from the active railroad tracks. The overall $120M project aims to reduce congestion, improve transit efficiency, and prevent further collisions.

Officials revealed that the underpass will be built approximately 30 feet beneath the existing tracks. Sidewalks on both sides of the passage will ensure safe pedestrian access, addressing long-standing concerns about foot traffic near the crossing.

“This will prevent crashes, save lives, and make transportation more efficient,” Mayor Saviano stated. The project is expected to eliminate 250 hours of annual traffic delays while improving emergency response times for first responders.

Funding for nearly half of the project’s total budget has already been secured through federal, state, and county allocations. The recently announced $13M grant will be used for land acquisition and essential pre-construction planning.

Once the second phase concludes, officials plan to secure additional funds to finalize construction. If funding remains on track, the project could reach completion as early as 2029.

“This crossing has a tragic history, and it’s critical that we eliminate this conflict point,” said Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle. Officials emphasized that the project will create a safer environment by ensuring that vehicles and trains never intersect again.

Source: www.fox32chicago.com

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