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FAQs
Q: HOW LONG WILL CONSTRUCTION LAST?
A: Depending on the preferred alternative for a grade separation, construction will take likely take between two to three years to complete.
Q: WILL DELAYING THIS PROJECT HINDER THE ACQUISITION OF THE EJ&E BY THE CN?
A: No, the EJ&E has already been acquired by the CN. This acquisition was approved by the Surface Transportation Board’s ruling on December 24th, 2008.
The CN has already begun operating a limited number of its own trains on the EJ&E corridor.
The CN has also begun constructing improvements to connections between its other mainline tracks and the EJ&E line that they cross. This will allow the CN to operate additional trains in the near future on the EJ&E corridor.
Q: WHY DO WE NEED A GRADE SEPARATION?
A: We are currently developing our Purpose and Need Statement.
The Environmental Impact Statement prepared for the Surface Transportation Board to fully evaluate the CN’s proposed acquisition of the EJ&E determined that this location warranted a grade separation because of the large highway traffic volumes, projected increase in number of trains at this crossing, and projected increases in traffic delays that will result.
Q: WILL YOU NEED TO ACQUIRE MY PROPERTY?
A: Right-of-way needs are unknown at this time. Determining where and how much right-of-way may be needed will be an important part of the study that will be performed early on during Phase I.
Q: WILL EITHER GRADE SEPARATION OPTION CUT OFF PED/BIKE ACCESS?
A: The existing sidewalk running along the north side of Ogden Avenue and the multi-use trail running along the south side of Ogden Avenue, both of which cross the tracks of the EJ&E will be maintained.
A pedestrian/bicyclist connector under the jurisdiction of the Fox Valley Park District between the sidewalk on the north side of Ogden Avenue just west of the tracks and Bremerton Lane to the north will be affected by construction of a grade separation and may no longer be possible. However, similar access between Ogden Avenue and Bremerton Lane also currently exists approximately 700 feet further to the west on additional land also under the jurisdiction of the Fox Valley Park District, with that access likely able to remain as part of a grade separation.
Q: WHY IS A GRADE SEPARATION STUDY NEEDED AT THE EJ&E/CN RAILROAD CROSSING OF OGDEN AVENUE (U.S. ROUTE 34)?
A: The CN acquired the former Elgin, Joliet and Eastern Railway Company (also known as the EJ&E) to improve its rail operations by creating a bypass around the City of Chicago. This will result in an increase in the number of trains at the U.S. Route 34 crossing from the current average of 15.7 trains per day to 39.5 in 2015. Without the grade separation there would be backups that would cause substantial delays to vehicular traffic including those for providers of emergency services. In its ruling on the acquisition, the US Department of Transportation’s Surface Transportation Board (STB) stipulated that to mitigate the impacts caused by the increased rail traffic, a grade separation needs to be constructed at the Ogden Avenue (U.S. Route 34) crossing with CN participating in the cost.
Q: WHAT HAPPENS DURING PHASES I, II, and III?
A: IDOT projects progress through three phases.
Phase I is also referred to as Preliminary Engineering and Environmental Study. Through extensive stakeholder involvement and technical analysis, transportation needs will be defined, alternatives developed and evaluated, and a preferred alternative selected. A range of factors to be considered in the decision making process will include but is not limited to: stakeholder input, engineering considerations, cost, and environmental issues.
After a preferred alternative is approved, Phase II (or Final Design) and Land Acquisition will begin. During this Phase, detailed construction plans will be developed and any necessary land will be acquired for the project.
After construction plans have been completed and necessary land has been acquired, and when all funding for construction is secured , the building of the project as Phase III will begin.
Q: WHAT IS THE CSS PROCESS?
A: Context Sensitive Solutions (CSS) is a State of Illinois program that seeks effective multi-modal transportation solutions by working with stakeholders to develop, build, and maintain cost-effective transportation facilities that fit into and reflect the project surroundings – its “context”. Consideration will be given to preserving scenic, aesthetic, historic, and environmental resources while maintaining and enhancing safety and mobility. Residents, business leaders, and local representatives among others, will have the opportunity to be engaged in the study through three public involvement meetings, one public hearing, and a Community Advisory Group (CAG).
Q: WHAT IS A COMMUNITY ADVISORY GROUP (CAG)?
A: A key element of the CSS process is the creation of a Community Advisory Group (CAG), a working group consisting of community leaders and other interested individuals or groups who will assist IDOT in identifying community issues and help determine community characteristics that should be taken into consideration in the planning process. The CAG should be representative of the overall study area’s interests including those that have a stake in the outcome. Therefore, the CAG membership will include individuals from a broad range of interest organizations. Over the 18 month period the (CAG) will meet approximately 10-12 times. We hope the members of the group provide valuable input and response and serve to focus the views, concerns and values of the community.
Q: HOW LONG WILL THE OGDEN AVENUE GRADE SEPARATION STUDY LAST?
A: The Ogden Avenue Grade Separation study, including stakeholder involvement, will conclude with the Public Hearing that will be held in early 2011. The Project will then move into the Phase II (Final Design) and Land Acquisition stage.
Q: WHEN WILL CONSTRUCTION BEGIN?
A: Construction is will begin by no later than 2015 and possibly as early as late 2014. Initial construction for the project may consist of relocation or adjustment of underground pipelines and/or overhead electrical lines.
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