ARCHER AVENUE AT BRC GRADE SEPARATION
ABOUT
The City of Chicago recently completed a study exploring the opportunity to build an underpass or overpass at the intersection of Archer Avenue and the Belt Railway Company of Chicago (BRC) railroad in the communities of Archer Heights and Garfield Ridge to eliminate the existing at-grade crossing where the railroad and roadway intersect at the same level. The study resulted in plans to create an underpass at Archer Avenue and the railroad.
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Planned to begin in 2025, the Archer Avenue at Belt Railway Company of Chicago (BRC) Grade Separation project will construct an underpass on Archer Avenue between Knox Avenue and Kolmer Avenue. This project will eliminate the existing at-grade crossing where the railroad and roadway intersect at the same level causing unnecessary delays for both rail and vehicular traffic.
The elimination of the at-grade crossing will improve safety and mobility through the corridor for all users, including motorists, pedestrians, cyclists, and the railroad, by reducing delays caused by over 30 train crossings each day.
The Archer Avenue at Belt Railway Company of Chicago (BRC) Grade Separation Study is an initiative of the Chicago Region Environmental and Transportation Efficiency Program (CREATE), which brings together the U.S. DOT, the State of Illinois, City of Chicago, Metra, Amtrak, and the nation's freight railroads to invest in critically needed railway crossing and infrastructure improvements throughout the City of Chicago. For more information about CREATE, visit www.createprogram.org.
PROJECT OVERVIEW
Purpose & Need
The Archer Avenue and Belt Railway of Chicago Grade Separation will improve safety at the intersection of Archer Avenue and the Belt Railway Company of Chicago (BRC) railroad and address mobility issues for travelers caused by train delays.
Community Benefit
The Archer Heights and Garfield Ridge communities will enjoy a safer and more efficient transportation system designed to improve the quality of life for its residents and visitors.
Timeline
Phase One engineering was completed with a study in 2023. The project is currently in Phase Two of engineering and property acquisition. Construction is planned to begin in 2025.
18,600
Cars daily
259
Buses Daily
32
Freight Trains Daily
59,600
Hours of Delay Yearly
KEY BENEFITS
Improve Safety
Reduce
Congestion
Eliminate Delays
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PUBLIC INVOLVEMENT
In order to keep the community up to date on the project timeline, the project team is meeting with local representatives and property owners to share information. The team is also planning on meeting with community groups and continuously sharing information about construction and route changes.
Photo provided by CREATE
Photo provided by CREATE
Photo provided by CREATE