CREATE KEY FACTS

  • CREATE is the largest U.S. public-private rail partnership.
  • It reduces congestion through 70 infrastructure projects.
  • It supports 44K jobs, reduces train emissions and eliminates 3.5 hours of daily road closures for drivers.

Chicago’s location in the center of America is as important as the human heart in the body. For 150 years, Chicago has remained the nation’s busiest rail hub. All six U.S. Class I railroads operate there, as do many non-Class I railroads. As freight rail volumes and demand for passenger rail service continue to rise, Chicago has also become the largest U.S. rail bottleneck.

To improve the flow of trains through the rail heart of America, the region’s six Class I railroads joined forces with Amtrak, Metra, and others. Also involved are the Illinois Department of Transportation, the Cook County Department of Transportation and Highways, and the Chicago Department of Transportation. Together, they formed the Chicago Region Environmental & Transportation Efficiency (CREATE) Program. Launched in 2003, the $5.8 billion plan involves 70 critical rail and highway infrastructure improvement projects in northeastern Illinois. These projects aim to enhance the efficiency and safety of the region’s rail network.

Public-private partnerships benefit everyone.

Rail transportation offers numerous benefits to the public, including lower costs, reduced congestion on highways, and decreased fuel consumption. Furthermore, it lowers GHG emissions and improves safety. Public-private partnerships are crucial in expanding rail usage. The governments focus on paying for the public benefits of projects. Meanwhile, freight railroads cover the benefits they receive. This collaborative approach ensures mutual gains for all parties involved. It allows projects to happen that might otherwise be delayed or never initiated due to financial constraints.

Freight railroads play a significant role in benefiting the American public. Partnerships aim at achieving specific objectives that enhance infrastructure, economic development, environmental sustainability, and transportation efficiency. Examples of successful rail public-private partnerships include the Alameda Corridor, the Heartland Corridor, and the National Gateway Project. Additionally, the Crescent Corridor contributes to improved freight transportation, economic growth, and job creation in their respective regions.

CREATE is the largest-ever public-private partnership.

One of every four U.S. freight trains passes through Chicago. That’s about 500 freight trains and 800 passenger and commuter trains every day. The U.S. rail network depends on the Chicago region. Along four rail corridors throughout the region, the Program increases capacity and efficiency. Moreover, it reduces travel times for freight and passenger trains. It eliminates or reduces railroad crossing delays for motorists and emergency vehicles; benefits the local communities; and reduces train idling, emissions, and horn noise.

CREATE increases capacity.

CREATE will help improve the region’s economy by adding an estimated 44,000 jobs and generating $31.5 billion in economic benefits over the next three decades. According to the Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning (CMAP), exports from Illinois have more than doubled in the past decade.

The DOT predicts the volume of imported and exported goods transported via rail to, from, or through Chicago will increase by around 175% between 2010 and 2040. Infrastructure improvements planned through the CREATE Program are critical to fully unlocking the potential of the national freight rail system. These improvements allow it to meet this future demand.

CREATE relieves congestion.

The 75th Street Corridor Improvement Project (CIP) is CREATE’s largest undertaking. It tackles one of the most congested rail chokepoints in Chicago and the entire U.S. rail network. Spanning multiple neighborhoods, it’s building solutions like the Forest Hill Flyover and 71st Street Grade Separation. These aim to untangle where 30 Metra trains, 90 freight trains, and 2 Amtrak trains cross paths every day. The result is a smoother flow for trains, drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians. Plus, it reduces emissions and eliminates 3.5 hours of daily road closures.

CREATE increases fluidity.

Effectively managing the heart of the rail network takes more than just new infrastructure. It requires meticulous, coordinated planning across all railroads to manage operations efficiently. The Chicago Integrated Rail Operations Center (CIROC) is the brain that helps make that possible.

This 24/7 command center allows railroads to continually watch real-time information fed in from sensors placed across the network. Using advanced computer programs, railroad companies work together to anticipate potential operational problems and forecast events that reduce speed and capacity, such as severe weather. They also review train routing and schedules and mobilize the right equipment and personnel. This ensures freight keeps moving through the city, especially during rush hour.