Quote:
Originally Posted by bnk
I do not like this downsizing of Create.
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I took a look at what was cancelled... really nothing too important. A few random grade separations on low-traffic streets, and a handful of major projects that would have benefited only CN.
All the improvements affecting Amtrak and Metra remain in the plans.
Canceled:
Grade separation, 144th Street & UP RR, Blue Island, $15m
Grade separation, Burr Oak Ave & CSX RR, Blue Island $15m
Grade separation, 19th Avenue & UP RR, Maywood $15m
Central Corridor, Ogden-Grand Crossing, Chicago $97m
Ogden Junction/BNSF Connector $16m
CN Altenheim Subdivision Rebuild $31m
Total savings: $189m (only 6% of the total $3B)
The Altenheim Subdivision project's cancellation is probably a huge bonus, in fact, for Chicago transportation. It is the freight line that runs next to the Eisenhower in Oak Park, then in Franklin Park, becomes part of Metra's North Central Service. Because of the EJ&E purchase, CN will no longer be running large numbers of trains on this line. That means that portions of it may be up for purchase, providing a possible solution to capacity problems on the Metra line, and a possible solution to Eisenhower widening through Oak Park.