Originally built in 1909, the Kensington Interlocking stands as an historic cornerstone of the Northern Indiana Commuter Transportation District’s (NICTD) commuter rail service into Chicago. Over the years, however, increasing NICTD ridership turned this vital junction into a bottleneck, causing significant delays for commuters. Recognizing the urgency for improvement, NICTD embarked on a $21.2 million project to enhance the interlocking’s physical layout and operational efficiency.
The ambitious endeavor included the construction of a second route spanning four Canadian National (CN) freight tracks to connect with four Metra commuter main tracks. This involved intricate coordination with multiple stakeholders, including CN and Metra, as well as overseeing contractors. STV meticulously scheduled track access for construction, revamped crucial aspects of the signal system, and upgraded the track and overhead catenary system.
Since the project’s completion, its impact on the rail network has been profound. The once-troubled Kensington Interlocking now operates seamlessly, providing smoother journeys for the millions of commuters who rely on it daily. By modernizing a crucial piece of transportation infrastructure, STV was able to help enhance the overall commuting experience for countless individuals.
