KEY FACTS

  • CREATE is the largest U.S. public-private rail partnership.
  • It reduces congestion through 70 infrastructure projects.
  • It supports 44,000 jobs, reduces train emissions and eliminates 3.5 hours of daily road closures for drivers.

Chicago is the largest and most important freight rail hub in the United States, handling roughly one in four U.S. freight trains each day. With six Class I railroads, multiple regional carriers, and extensive passenger service from Amtrak and Metra, the region is critical to the national supply chain.

However, this central role has also made Chicago the biggest rail bottleneck in the country, causing delays that impact freight movement, passenger service, and local communities.

What Is the CREATE Program?

The Chicago Region Environmental and Transportation Efficiency (CREATE) Program is a public-private partnership launched in 2003 to improve rail infrastructure and operations across northeastern Illinois. Key partners include freight railroads, Amtrak, Metra, the Illinois Department of Transportation, and local transportation agencies. The Program includes:

  • 70 rail and highway improvement projects
  • A total investment of approximately $5.8 billion
  • Collaboration between freight railroads, passenger agencies, and government partners

Why the CREATE Program Matters

Improving rail flow through Chicago benefits the entire U.S. economy by:

  • Reducing supply chain delays for freight and passenger trains
  • Increasing rail network capacity and reliability
  • Lowering highway congestion by shifting freight to rail
  • Reducing emissions and fuel consumption
  • Improving safety for communities and rail workers

How CREATE Improves Rail Efficiency

CREATE projects focus on modernizing infrastructure and eliminating chokepoints across the region. Key improvements include:

  • New rail flyovers and grade separations to reduce conflicts between trains and vehicles
  • Upgraded tracks, signals, and rail yards to increase speed and capacity
  • Reduced crossing delays for motorists and emergency responders
  • Lower emissions and noise from reduced train idling

The 75th Street Corridor Improvement Project

The 75th Street Corridor Improvement Project (CIP) is the largest CREATE project and one of the most critical rail bottleneck solutions in the U.S. It addresses a major congestion point where dozens of freight, commuter, and passenger trains intersect daily. Key benefits include:

  • Smoother train operations
  • Reduced road closures and traffic delays
  • Improved safety for drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians
  • Lower emissions from less idling

Economic Impact of CREATE

The CREATE Program is expected to deliver major long-term benefits. Rail volumes moving through Chicago are projected to grow significantly, making these infrastructure investments essential for future supply chain performance.

  • 44,000 jobs created
  • $31.5 billion in economic benefits
  • Increased freight capacity to meet growing demand

Public-Private Partnerships in Freight Rail

CREATE is one of the largest public-private partnerships in U.S. transportation history. This model works by government funding public benefits (reduced congestion, safety, emissions) and freight railroads funding operational benefits (efficiency, capacity). This shared approach helps deliver large-scale infrastructure projects that would otherwise be delayed or unaffordable. Other successful examples include the Alameda Corridor; Heartland Corridor; National Gateway; Crescent Corridor.

Real-Time Rail Operations: CIROC

Efficient rail operations require more than infrastructure. The Chicago Integrated Rail Operations Center (CIROC) coordinates rail traffic across the region. This high tech center ensures freight and passenger trains continue moving efficiently through one of the busiest rail hubs in the world. Specifically, CIROC enables:

  • 24/7 real-time monitoring of the rail network
  • Data-driven decision-making using sensors and analytics
  • Improved coordination between railroads
  • Faster response to disruptions like weather or congestion

THE BOTTOM LINE

The CREATE Program strengthens Chicago’s role as the heart of the U.S. freight rail network by reducing congestion, improving safety, and increasing capacity. By combining infrastructure investment, advanced technology, and public-private collaboration, CREATE helps keep goods moving efficiently across the country—supporting economic growth, supply chain resilience, and environmental sustainability.