US breaks ground on Englewood rail flyover project

US Department of Transportation (USDOT) has broken ground on the $133m Englewood flyover project, which will reduce train congestion in Chicago's Englewood neighbourhood.

Under the project a triple-track bridge in Englewood, Illinois, will be constructed to carry three of Metra's Rock Island District Line tracks over four Norfolk Southern Railway tracks.

The bridge will separate the freight tracks from the commuter tracks; Amtrak and Metra will no longer have to stop to allow Norfolk-Southern to cross the tracks, which previously caused frequent delays.

The flyover will carry 78 daily North-South Metra Rock Island commuter trains and approximately 60 East-West intercity passenger and freight trains.

The US Government has provided funds of $126m, while Illinois has invested $7m in the project, which is expected to be completed by 2014.