STV has long served as a general engineering consultant to CSX Transportation (CSXT) in support of freight rail improvements associated with the Chicago Region Environmental and Transportation Efficiency (CREATE) program. Through a series of assignments across the Chicago rail network, STV has provided civil, track and structural engineering design and construction management services supporting improvements to main lines, interlockings, crossovers, signals, rail bridges and railroad connections.
What challenges did STV address?
Chicago’s freight network carries high train volumes through constrained corridors shared by multiple railroads. CREATE assignments supported by STV have addressed congestion, limited operational flexibility, aging or inefficient track configurations and the need to construct improvements while maintaining active railroad operations. The work also requires extensive coordination among CSXT, other freight railroads, public agencies and contractors.
What solutions did STV deliver?
Under the GEC contract, STV has provided civil and track design, structural engineering and construction management for improvements throughout the CREATE network. Assignments have included new and reconfigured track connections, main lines, crossovers and interlockings; signal and centralized traffic control improvements; rail bridge design; roadway and grade-crossing improvements; drainage and environmental work; right-of-way coordination; construction staging; field inspection; and construction oversight.
STV’s work frequently involves developing improvements within constrained operating environments, coordinating designs across multiple railroads, and staging construction to minimize impacts on ongoing freight operations.
How does this project benefit the region?
The CREATE program is designed to move freight through the Chicago region more efficiently. The assignments supported by STV increase rail capacity and operational flexibility, reduce delays, improve connections among freight corridors and allow trains to move more efficiently through rail junctions and other constrained locations.
Key Stats and Accolades
- General engineering consultant services for CSX Transportation
- Civil, track and structural engineering and construction management
- Improvements include main-line track, interlockings, crossovers, signals, rail bridges and railroad connections
- Work performed across multiple locations within Chicago’s active freight rail network
