The 75th Street Corridor Improvement Project (75th St. CIP) is the largest project in The Chicago Region Environmental and Transportation Efficiency Program, an effort to improve the efficiency of the region’s rail infrastructure. The project is located in the Chicago neighborhoods of Ashburn, Englewood, Auburn Gresham and West Chatham along two passenger and four freight rail lines.

The Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT)—in partnership with the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), the Chicago Department of Transportation, the Association of American Railroads, and local communities—has completed a study to determine how these railroad tracks can be “untangled” so that trains, vehicles, and pedestrians move more easily through these neighborhoods.

The Public Hearing for the 75th St. CIP was held on Tuesday, April 22, 2014 at Freedom Temple Church of God In Christ, 1459 W. 74th Street, Chicago from 4 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Please click here to view a summary report of the hearing.

IDOT and FHWA signed the Final Environmental Impact Statement (FEIS) and the Record of Decision (ROD) in September 2014. Issuance of the ROD by the FHWA marks the completion of a thorough and extensive process to identify and then avoid, minimize or mitigate possible impacts to the community and natural resources. Please click here to view both documents.


FHWA issued Phase I design approval for the 75th St. CIP in February 2015. This official federal action concludes Phase I and authorizes the project to move to Phase II (final) design and Phase III (construction) once funding is secured.


IDOT and its partners are pursuing funding to complete Phase II (final) design and initiate Phase III (construction) of the 75th St. CIP. IDOT applied for a competitive federal grant program established by the U.S. Department of Transportation. The Fostering Advancements in Shipping and Transportation for the Long-term Achievement of National Efficiencies (FASTLANE) grant application was submitted in December 2016 and is intended to close the funding gap and allow this important project to move forward. FASTLANE grant awards expected to be announced during 2017. Please check back for project updates and future activities.