Welcome to
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THE GRAND GATEWAY PROJECT
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ABOUT THE PROJECT
Keeping Elmwood Park safe and moving is a top priority—especially at the Grand Avenue rail crossing, where trains, vehicles, and pedestrians intersect. To address longstanding safety and traffic concerns, the Village of Elmwood Park is partnering with the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) and the Cook County Department of Transportation and Highways (CCDoTH) to advance a comprehensive study process.
The project began with a Planning and Environmental Linkages (PEL) study, which explored possible improvements and laid the groundwork for a Phase I Preliminary Engineering study that further evaluated and refined solutions.
Together, these studies—along with input from the community—have helped identify and shape the best long-term solution for separating rail, vehicle, and pedestrian traffic and creating a safer, more efficient crossing for everyone.
Once complete, the Grand Gateway Project will transform the area, improving safety, enhancing connections across the community, and revitalizing the central business district. It will also play a key role in improving mobility across the region, creating a more efficient and connected transportation network.
The project began with a Planning and Environmental Linkages (PEL) study, which explored possible improvements and laid the groundwork for a Phase I Preliminary Engineering study that further evaluated and refined solutions.
Together, these studies—along with input from the community—have helped identify and shape the best long-term solution for separating rail, vehicle, and pedestrian traffic and creating a safer, more efficient crossing for everyone.
Once complete, the Grand Gateway Project will transform the area, improving safety, enhancing connections across the community, and revitalizing the central business district. It will also play a key role in improving mobility across the region, creating a more efficient and connected transportation network.
STUDY AREA
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The Grand Gateway project area spans Grand Avenue from approximately 75th Avenue to 79th Avenue, extending north to Conti Parkway Circle and including the surrounding Canadian Pacific (CP) Railroad corridor.
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PROJECT PROCESS
In 2020, the project team convened the first Community Advisory Group (CAG) meeting. The CAG included local agencies, community groups, and residents who helped review conditions and identify needs in the corridor. Throughout the PEL and Phase I process, the team continued to meet with the CAG and invited public input at key milestones. A summary of these outreach efforts is provided below. Materials from all meetings are available in the Resources section of this website.
PROJECT TIMELINE
PROJECT HISTORY |
PROJECT BENEFITS |
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PROJECT DEVELOPMENT PROCESS
PEL: Planning and Environmental Linkage StudyThe Planning and Environmental Linkages (PEL) Study process was established by the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) to provide a more efficient process of identifying, evaluating, and selecting preferred transportation improvements. Information gathered during the PEL Study was carried through to the Phase I process.
Phase II: Contract Plan Preparation and Land AcquisitionPhase II will focus on finalizing the design that came out of Phase I. This means ensuring the geometric designs are completed, then preparing contract plans and land acquisition for the right-of-way that will need to be purchased for the project.
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Phase I: Preliminary EngineeringAfter the PEL Study was completed, the project team moved into Phase I Engineering. This phase of study included the completion of detailed studies with respect to traffic performance, safety, socioeconomic and environmental impacts, roadway design and alternatives analysis, structural design, as well as public/stakeholder involvement, and state and federal agency coordination.
Phase III: ConstructionThe final component to the Grand Gateway Grade Separation project is construction. The construction team will work closely with the Village, Metra, Pace, and local businesses to ensure there will be minimal impacts to residents and users of the area. Phasing will be used to ensure all modes of transportation can still run while the new grade separation is being constructed.
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FUNDING PARTNERSThe Village of Elmwood Park is in partnership with the following organizations; Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT), Cook County Department of Transportation Highways (CCDoTH), Illinois Commerce Commission (ICC), Metra, and West Central Municipal Conference.
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