BNSF Achieves Milestone Phase on Illinois Intermodal Expansion Project
During phase two of the multi-year expansion, the Class I completed:
- A new production track adding 4,530 feet of capacity.
- 43,000 feet of reconstructed receiving yard track for an optimized layout.
- A new trailer parking lot adding more than 470 parking stalls.
- A new hostler repair shop.
- A new 100-foot diameter turntable.
This, BNSF says, is all being done while achieving major sustainability efforts as part of the overall project. “Our teams significantly reduced excavation for this project by optimizing site grading, recycling existing pavement, and testing and repurposing excess soil on an adjacent BNSF site, reducing our greenhouse gas emissions by 5,971 metric tons,” the Class I stated in an X post. “Additionally, through collaboration with the local municipality, our team designed and constructed a stormwater detention system that greatly enhances the local community by effectively controlling stormwater runoff.”
BNSF partnered with Railroading Heritage of Midwest America to donate the existing 135-foot turntable for restoration and re-use at its facility in Silvis, Ill. BNSF also donated an existing 15-ton crane from the Cicero Diesel Repair Shop to the Illinois Railway Museum, which will be used to service the museum’s 58 historic diesel locomotives.
Upon completion, which is estimated to be in 2026, the new facility will increase BNSF’s production capacity to support current demand and future growth, the Class I said.
“Congrats to all who are involved in achieving this milestone,” BNSF stated in the X post.
