$13M in federal funding brings Elmwood Park railroad crossing undertaking nearer to actuality
A serious undertaking to eradicate one of many nation’s longest and deadliest railroad crossings is $13 million nearer to changing into a actuality.
ELMWOOD PARK, In poor health. – A serious undertaking to eradicate one of many nation’s longest and deadliest railroad crossings is $13 million nearer to changing into a actuality.
What we all know:
The Grand Avenue crossing in Elmwood Park, the place Metra and freight trains move about 120 instances a day, has earned a fame for its harmful configuration.
The tracks intersect the street at a 10-degree angle, making a 366-foot-long crossing, the second deadliest in Illinois. Since 2018, the realm has seen 160 collisions, together with a number of fatalities.
For many years, native officers have fought to make the crossing safer, however the undertaking requires large engineering work.
On Saturday, Elmwood Park Mayor Skip Saviano joined state and federal officers to announce the following step within the plan.
“We’re extremely grateful for all of the work to have the ability to announce this huge victory for Elmwood Park. $13.1 million in federal funding from the Division of Transportation to the Village of Elmwood Park!” mentioned Rep. Delia Ramirez (D-Illinois).
The funding will assist pay for part two of the Grand Gateway Undertaking, which can create an underpass on the crossing.
The $120 million undertaking is designed to separate the street from the tracks, bettering security and easing congestion.
“It’s an underpass, so we’re gonna go about 30 toes beneath the railroad tracks. We’re gonna have steady sidewalks on either side,” mentioned
“It’ll save 250 hours of congestion yearly. It’ll permit Metra and freight trains to maneuver quicker. It’ll permit first responders to reply quicker and most of all, it should stop crashes and it’ll save lives,” mentioned Saviano.
Up to now, half of the undertaking’s estimated price has been secured by way of federal, state, and Cook dinner County funds. The $13 million introduced Saturday will assist purchase land and put together for building.
As soon as part two is full, officers hope to safe the remaining funds to complete the undertaking, which could possibly be accomplished by 2029.
“It has a tragic historical past of crashes and it is necessary that we construct this grade separation to eradicate the primary level of battle in order that trains and vehicles won’t ever once more collide,” mentioned Cook dinner County Board President Toni Preckwinkle.
What’s subsequent:
If all goes in line with plan and so they’re in a position to safe the remainder of the funding, the undertaking could possibly be completed by the 12 months 2029.
