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CN Railroad Crossing Work Begins Monday: You Shall Not Pass


CN railroad crossing, railroad tracks, Canadian National, CN Railroad Crossing
Canadian National says the track crossing on Western Avenue will be closed from August 20 through August 24, 2018. (Photo: Gary Kopycinski)

Park Forest, IL-(ENEWSPF)- As Gandalf said to the Balrog, “You shall not pass!” At 9:00 a.m. Monday, August 20, the CN railroad crossing at Western Avenue will close in both directions for up to seven days. Drivers should not be surprised to see the tracks close earlier than that on Monday.

The official word from Canadian National to the Village of Park Forest said that CN Railway has 2018 funding for complete renewal of the Western Ave grade crossing, Park Forest, IL. 

The complete track structure will be replaced with new rubber crossing surface installed, according to CN.

While the signs at the crossing say the crossing will be closed for seven days, “the project is scheduled to commence at 9:00 a.m. on Monday, August 20, 2018, and conclude by 6:00 p.m. on Friday, August 24, 2018,” according to information CN related to Village officials. “Complete road closure on Western Ave will be required for the duration of the project.”

“Detours will direct motorists down 26th Street, Route. 30, and Chicago Road,” according to Nick Christie, Assistant Director of Public Works/Assistant Village Engineer.

There will likely be a fair amount of traffic turning west at 26th Street then north on Orchard Boulevard.

CN railroad crossing at Western Avenue last saw repairs some years ago. In general, Canadian National appears to maintain the tracks more frequently than the Elgin, Joliet and Eastern Railway (EJ&E), the previous owners of the track.

There will still be train traffic during the week of repairs which will be coordinated with repair crews.


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