CHICAGO ~ Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson, along with 18th Ward Alderman Derrick Curtis, the Chicago Department of Transportation (CDOT), and CREATE Program partners, gathered today to break ground on the Columbus Avenue & The Belt Railway Company of Chicago (BRC) Grade Separation Project (GS11). This project is a significant infrastructure investment that aims to improve safety, reduce congestion, and strengthen emergency access in the Ashburn community.

Mayor Johnson emphasized the importance of this project for the South Side of Chicago and the Ashburn community. As a major freight rail hub in the nation, Chicago is proud to work alongside its CREATE Program partners to deliver this project. The mayor believes that this project will not only improve safety and reduce delays but also provide more reliable access for residents, businesses, and first responders who frequently travel along this corridor.

The GS11 project will replace the existing at-grade rail crossing at Columbus Avenue near Maplewood Avenue with a new grade-separated structure. This crossing has been designated as a "911 Critical Crossing," meaning that train activity can significantly delay emergency response from police, fire, and EMS. By eliminating this crossing, the project will ensure more reliable emergency access while also improving roadway safety for the surrounding community.

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On a daily basis, approximately 11,500 vehicles and 32 freight trains pass through this crossing. This creates congestion and potential safety conflicts for motorists. Once completed, GS11 will eliminate these conflicts and is expected to reduce delays for motorists.

Alderman Curtis expressed his gratitude for this significant investment in their community's safety and future. He believes that this new railroad crossing will not only improve access for residents but also support continued growth and economic opportunities in the area. He also acknowledged the collaboration between state, local, and private sector investments in making this long-awaited improvement a reality.

The GS11 project has received a $49.9 million investment through IDOT's Illinois Competitive Freight Program. This reflects coordinated efforts from the state, local, and private sectors. The project serves as an example of how targeted infrastructure investments can enhance the quality of life for local communities while also improving the efficiency of Chicago's rail network, which is the largest in North America.

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CDOT Commissioner William Cheaks, Jr. also expressed his pride in being a part of this project. He believes that this project will not only eliminate conflicts between trains and vehicles but also improve emergency access and make it safer and easier for residents, businesses, and freight traffic to move through this corridor.

Jerry Peck, President of The Belt Railway Company of Chicago, highlighted the vital role that his company plays in moving freight across the nation. He believes that projects like GS11 are crucial in keeping freight moving while also strengthening the communities they operate in. He also praised CREATE as a model for successful collaboration between different entities.

The groundbreaking ceremony marks a significant step towards improving safety, connection, and future opportunities for the Ashburn community. With coordinated efforts from various stakeholders, this project is expected to bring positive changes to the area and serve as a model for future infrastructure investments.

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