Central Avenue at BRC Grade Separation Study (Chicago, Illinois)

CLIENT: Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT)

Clark Dietz participated in a transportation study evaluating options to separate Central Avenue roadway traffic from Belt Railway Company of Chicago (BRC) trains near Midway Airport. The study focused on reducing congestion and improving safety in Chicago’s Garfield Ridge community, where increasing rail and vehicle traffic contributed to crossing delays, disrupted emergency service operations, and increased the potential for collisions.

The project built on a 2002 feasibility study that examined 14 existing railroad crossings. Central Avenue ranked among the top three crossings recommended for further evaluation based on the practicality of construction and potential effects on the surrounding community.

The preliminary analysis considered 15 alternatives, including a No-Build option that would leave the crossing in place. Three alternatives with the fewest identified impacts were selected for further study and comparison with the No-Build option. The goal was to recommend a solution that would eliminate railroad crossing delays affecting nearly 2,500 vehicles each day and reduce the potential for vehicle-train collisions.

Public involvement followed IDOT’s Context Sensitive Solutions approach. This process engaged residents and other stakeholders throughout the Phase I study, bringing community perspectives into the evaluation of alternatives.

The study supported the next step toward project implementation by examining transportation needs, construction feasibility, and community impacts before recommending a preferred solution.