The Indiana Harbor Belt Railroad (IHB) has announced that they will perform railroad tie replacement work, railroad grade crossing rehabilitation and new main track construction in conjunction with the CREATE (B4 / B5) project through the end of July.
In addition to this work, IHB crews will be performing major upgrades and rehabilitation of the railroad’s interlocking system including the installation of new switches, train operating signals and equipment control housings from mid July through mid November of this year.
As this is a significant project for the IHB requiring large-scale equipment, motorists should expect temporary and periodic traffic delays at the at-grade railroad crossings located at Shawmut Avenue, Lincoln Avenue, Cossitt Avenue, 47th Street and East Avenue. IHB representatives are assigned to the project (s) to assist with traffic management as necessary.
Finally, IHB crews are scheduled to replace the grade crossing surface at Lincoln Avenue the week of June 7th and Cossitt Avenue the week of June 14. Work will include the removal and replacement of the asphalt pavement at the railroad tracks in order to provide a smoother crossing. Notices will be posted at each grade crossing in advance of the work and detour routes will be clearly marked. For more information regarding this project and detour information, please click here.
Residents may experience a temporary increase in noise levels associated with railroad equipment performing the necessary work, especially during the track work phase of the program. Additionally, in compliance with Federal Roadway Worker safety requirements, residents may notice increased whistle blowing as trains approach railroad work crews.
CREATE is a national program which invests in needed capital improvements to help increase the efficiency of the region’s rail infrastructure. For more information regarding CREATE, please visit www.createprogram.org.
Thank you for your patience during the railroad maintenance and construction work. If you have any questions regarding this project, please contact La Grange Public Works at (708) 579-2328 or the La Grange Village Hall at (708) 579-2315.