Quigley Tours 75th Street Flyover Project
Today, U.S. Representative Mike Quigley (IL-05), Ranking Member of the Transportation, Housing and Urban Development Appropriations Subcommittee (THUD), visited the site of the 75th Street Flyover project, which is one part of the Chicago Region Environmental and Transportation Efficiency (CREATE) Program’s larger 75th Street Corridor project in Chicago. In light of recent concerns surrounding train safety, Quigley sought a firsthand look at the status of the project as well as a chance to learn from experts how Congress mitigate rail disasters going forward. The project consists of a new CSX north-south rail flyover structure to eliminate conflicts between north-south and east-west train movement at Forest Hill Junction.
“The 75th Street Flyover project showcases how we can make Chicago's train network safer and more efficient. The last time I visited this site, the 75th Street Flyover was just an idea. It’s now becoming reality. The safest rail crossing is the one that doesn’t exist. This flyover eliminates a rail crossing, and in the process, eliminates the possibility of a train collision in a busy rail corridor,” said Quigley. “Recent train derailments have proven that the federal government and the rail industry need to work together to invest more in safety. As the new Ranking Member of the subcommittee that funds the Department of Transportation and rail safety programs, I am committed to protecting and increasing investment in rail safety for Chicago and the whole nation.”
In 2018, Quigley worked to secure $132 million through the Infrastructure for Rebuilding America (INFRA) grant program to help get the 75th Street Flyover project off the ground. In addition to the creation of the 75th Street Flyover, the 75th Street Corridor Project includes the 71st Street Grade Separation, Belt Junction and 80th Street Junction Replacements, and Rock Island Connection projects. The 75th Street Flyover project is expected to be completed by 2025.
Click HERE for photos from Quigley’s visit.
Click HERE for videos from Quigley’s visit.