CREATE P3 / GS19 Grade Separation – Cook County, Illinois

The CREATE P3 / GS19 Grade Separation project is a critical infrastructure improvement designed to enhance safety, reduce traffic delays, and improve rail operations in Chicago’s 75th Street corridor. By separating the CSX railroad from the Belt Railway Company, Metra, and Norfolk Southern railroads, the project eliminates a longstanding at-grade crossing that posed collision risks and contributed to significant neighborhood traffic congestion.

Engineering for Complex Urban Conditions
DB Sterlin provided civil and structural engineering services for the Phase II design of the proposed bridge flyover and associated improvements. Our responsibilities included developing detailed utility base mapping, coordinating with multiple utility providers, and managing permitting with the City of Chicago. The utility coordination process involved identifying conflicts, preparing exhibits of existing conditions, and working closely with affected utilities, including the Chicago Department of Water Management, CDOT Division of Electrical Operations, ComEd, Peoples Gas, MCI/Verizon, and Crown Castle, to implement temporary or permanent relocations or protection measures.

In addition, DB Sterlin supported permit submittals and coordination with City of Chicago departments, including the Department of Buildings Stormwater Reviewers, Office of Underground Coordination Existing Facilities Protection, CDOT Deep Excavation submittals, CDOT Permit Coordination Office for maintenance-of-traffic and detour approvals, and BACP for Grant of Privilege permits.

Structural Design for Safe and Durable Infrastructure
DB Sterlin also performed structural engineering design for mechanically stabilized earth (MSE) retaining walls supporting the approaches to the bridge superstructure. These retaining walls are essential for accommodating the elevation changes required for the new elevated rail crossings while maintaining stability and long-term durability.

Transforming the 75th Street Corridor
The GS19 project includes new elevated rail crossings on fill at 74th Street, 73rd Street, and 72nd Street, a new bridge structure over 71st Street, and partial reconstruction of the existing bridge structure at 69th Street. To provide sufficient clearance for the new bridge, the pavement on 71st Street was lowered, enhancing roadway and pedestrian safety while improving traffic flow. These improvements together eliminate at-grade rail conflicts, enhance rail efficiency, and reduce delays for local motorists and commuters.

Built for Safety and Efficiency
By integrating civil and structural engineering expertise with comprehensive utility and permitting coordination, DB Sterlin ensured that the CREATE P3 / GS19 Grade Separation project could move forward efficiently in a densely developed urban environment. The project enhances the safety, reliability, and efficiency of both the rail network and surrounding roadways, providing long-term benefits to the City of Chicago and its residents.