CREATE

CREATE is designed to:

  • Increase reliability of freight rail service in and through Chicago
  • Decrease shipping times, boost competitiveness of manufacturers and businesses
  • Save $40 million yearly in inventory costs
  • Reduce Amtrak and Metra delays
  • Ensure future capacity for intercity and local rail transit
  • Reduce local traffic delays and congestion
  • Reduce emissions from vehicles and locomotives
  • Reduce noise from idling and slow trains

CREATE

Chicago is the nation’s busiest rail gateway. Each day, 1,200 trains crisscross the region.

Because of the track and road layout, it can take 48 hours for freight trains to pass through the city. That contributes to shipping delays, traffic jams, and plenty of commuter frustration. Without action, the future will be worse.

The solution? CREATE, the Chicago Region Environmental and Transportation Efficiency Program. CREATE is a public-private partnership between the State of Illinois, City of Chicago, Metra, Amtrak, U.S. DOT, and six major railroads, including NS.

CREATE plans to invest $1.5 billion in critically needed improvements to increase the efficiency of Chicago’s rail infrastructure and the local quality of life.

CREATE Map

Explore More

  • Congestion Relief

    CREATE will increase efficiency of passenger and freight rail service throughout the region and improve quality of life by separating passenger and freight rail service and relieving congestion between railway and roadway networks. Want to learn more about CREATE's congestion relief? Read More >

  • CREATE Timeline

    A timeline outlining the developments in CREATE's progress. Read More >