Temporary Closing of Walter Strawn Road Affecting Access to G4, Joliet, IL

Announcement Number: IM2015-27
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Posted Date: January 20, 2015

 

Union Pacific – Information Bulletin
Walter Strawn Rd. Railroad Crossing to be Temporarily Closed as of 01/28/2015
The Illinois Commerce Commission (ICC) ruled January 14, 2015, to temporarily close the Union Pacific Railroad crossing of Walter Strawn Rd until a long term solution to improve safety at this crossing is found and implemented.   It is expected that the crossing will be closed as of 01/28/2015. The crossing is located on Walter Strawn Rd. immediately west of the intersection with IL-53. With this ruling access to Walter Strawn Rd. from IL-53 will be eliminated.
Truck traffic to Union Pacific’s Joliet (Global 4) intermodal facility and Centerpoint Properties intermodal complex will be required to use Arsenal Rd. via Interstate 55 to access the industrial complex. 
During the ICC hearings Union Pacific presented three options to improve safety at this crossing. Those options included operational intersection improvements, turning Walter Strawn Rd into a one way westbound road and finally temporarily closing the crossing. It was determined by the ICC that closure of the crossing is the best option to immediately address all safety concerns.
Phase II hearings to discuss long term safety solutions are set to begin in February 2015 and will include governmental engineering and environmental studies for a grade separation in the area.
Alternate solutions are also being explored independently by various private parties.
 
Union Pacific Action prior to closing:
Positioned Will County Sheriffs at the crossing to help regulate traffic
Increased crossing pre-signal time from 4 seconds to 9 seconds
Rail Gate/Crossing Incidents continued to occur with same consistency regardless of above actions
Hired outside consulting firm to conduct independent safety study (finding presented at ICC hearings)
 
Alternative routes:
From the Northeast or East: I-80 West to I-55 South. Exit Arsenal Road
From South on IL-53: River Rd (IL-44) West to I-55 North Exit Arsenal Road