Forest Hill Flyover project has reached operational completion and moved into full operation as the Chicago Region Environmental and Transportation Efficiency (CREATE) program and its partners marked the milestone on Nov. 14. The $380 million public-private partnership, led by CSX, is a key step in easing pressure on Chicago’s busy rail network, as reported by Progressive Railroading.

This is reported by the railway transport news portal Railway Supply.

Forest Hill Flyover project finished by CREATE partners
Photo: CREATE Program Chicago/X.com

Forest Hill Flyover eases a Chicago rail bottleneck

Within the CREATE program, the flyover is the 36th of 70 planned projects to be completed and serves as a cornerstone of the 75th Street Corridor Improvement Project, according to the CREATE Program. It replaces a long-standing flat junction where lines of CSX, Norfolk Southern Railway, the Belt Railway Co. of Chicago and Metra’s SouthWest Service intersected — one of the Chicago region’s most congested rail bottlenecks.

Don’t miss…Amtrak 69 Adirondack: Scenic Montreal–New York Rail Travel

In practical terms, the Forest Hill Flyover separates freight and commuter movements that previously crossed paths on the level. The new bridge removes daily conflicts between 35 freight trains and 30 commuter trains, which in turn improves reliability for both freight operators and Metra’s SouthWest commuter service — an effect also highlighted by industry outlet Railway Supply.

“The completion of the Forest Hill Flyover represents far more than new infrastructure — it’s a powerful step toward greater efficiency, enhanced network reliability and an improved experience for the customers and communities we serve,” said CSX President and CEO Steve Angel. “Chicago is one of the nation’s most critical rail hubs, and the CREATE program showcases how smart investment and collaboration can deliver lasting value for the entire transportation system.”

Funding for the Forest Hill Flyover project combines a $120 million federal Infrastructure for Rebuilding America (INFRA) grant awarded in 2018 with $260 million in state, local and private contributions, bringing total investment in this CREATE corridor improvement to $380 million.

News on railway transport, industry, and railway technologies from Railway Supply that you might have missed:

Don’t miss…Logan and Gold Coast Faster Rail Project Design Update

Find the latest news of the railway industry in Eastern Europe, the former Soviet Union and the rest of the world on our page on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, read Railway Supply magazine online.

Place your ads on webportal and in Railway Supply magazine. Detailed information is in Railway Supply media kit