Vital headway has been made to secure a much-needed grade separation.

The 2019 Illinois budget includes $150 million to separate Belt track near Harlem Avenue and 63rd Street or 65th Street. An underpass appears to be the preferred method to accomplish the separation.

This is a major step forward for a project that has been debated and studied for many years. An Illinois Department of Transportation study suggested the project would “reduce roadway congestion and improve safety,” specifically by eliminating potential collisions between trains and cars. It also noted that the location of the potential project is critical to emergency services. 

The project would involve the City of Chicago and villages of Bedford Park and Summit.