Rep. Rashid Helps Secure $43 Million in IDOT Funding for Bedford Park Rail Project

Berwyn, IL — Today, the Illinois Department of Transportation announced it will receive $43 million in federal funding for the Chicago Region Environmental and Transportation Efficiency’s (CREATE) 65th & Harlem Avenue rail project. The funding came after sustained advocacy from Rep. Abdelnasser Rashid (D-Bridgeview), Rep. Chuy Garcia (D-IL04), Gov. JB Pritzker, and others.

“Rep. Abdelnasser Rashid was an invaluable partner in helping secure the funding for the 65th & Harlem Avenue Rail project,” said Congressman Chuy Garcia, “This investment will help revitalize our community, reduce congestion, and create good-paying jobs.”

The project will create an overpass for travel over Belt Railway of Chicago’s (BRC) tracks via 65th street each way, improving efficiency for drivers, bicyclists and pedestrians in Chicago and neighboring Bedford Park, Summit, and Garfield Ridge, as well as allowing faster travel for freight trains heading into and out of BRC’s Clearing yard.

“This project will address a major traffic bottleneck — improving public safety, reducing air pollution and boosting the quality of life for the community and local businesses,” said Rep. Abdelnasser Rashid. “I’m going to keep fighting for the continued investment we need to keep the Chicagoland area a national transportation hub.”

Nearly 10,000 vehicles and 200 buses travel through the 65th St crossing each day, and an additional 17,500 vehicles travel through the adjacent intersection on Harlem and 63rd St, many of whom are slowed or stopped due to train crossings. This project will reduce crossings, giving Illinois drivers 644 hours of time back per day. This crossing, designated a “911 Critical Crossing,” will also have easier access for emergency vehicles needing to enter the area and will improve emergency response times throughout the area.

In addition to the grade separation elevating 65th St over the BRC, the project will also include infrastructure improvements at area intersections, elevation of 65th St’s intersections with Harlem Ave (IL 43) and Old Harlem Ave; intersection improvements on IL 43 at 63rd St and 65th St, new multi-use path and sidewalk connections, and drainage and lighting improvements in the area. Cars will be able to cross rail tracks regardless of train passage, reducing vehicle delay and improving rail crossing safety.

The $43 million grant will be supplemented by $25 million in federal National Highway Performance Program funds and $13 million in IDOT matching funds, as well as $4.3 million in matching funds from private partner railroads.