Burlington Northern Santa Fe (BNSF) Railway Bridge Project
Central Tri-State Tollway (I-294)
Burlington Northern Santa Fe (BNSF) Railway Bridge Project
The Illinois Tollway reconstructed the Burlington Northern Santa Fe (BNSF) Railway Bridge, which carries the triple-track railroad over the Tri-State Tollway (I-294) between Hinsdale and Western Springs, to accommodate the widening of the Central Tri-State Tollway (I-294).
Construction of the new, longer BNSF Railway Bridge structure was completed and opened for use by Metra and BNSF trains in 2021. Work on the BNSF Railway Bridge began in 2019 was complete in 2022.
BNSF Railway Bridge Location
BNSF Railway Bridge Beam Staging
BNSF Railway Bridge Reconstruction Phases
Innovation
The Illinois Tollway integrated the use of self-propelled modular transporter (SPMT) technology for the installation of bridge beams for the BNSF Railway Bridge. Use of the SPMT technology reduced customer impact to two weekends, compared to two months of overnight and weekend lane closures with full stops typically scheduled for conventional bridge construction.
A Regional Solution
The Central Tri-State Tollway is being reconstructed to increase capacity, reduce congestion and improve travel reliability. This work is part of the Tollway’s 15-year, $14 billion capital program, Move Illinois: The Illinois Tollway Driving the Future. More than 220,000 vehicles use this portion of the Tri-State Tollway daily.
A detailed planning and refinement process is underway to complete a design concept for rebuilding the Central Tri-State Tollway (I-294). This process includes outreach efforts with customers, communities, businesses and partners to identify regional improvements and continue to refine the design details.
Purpose
The $96 million BNSF Railroad Bridge Project is part of the $4 billion Central Tri-State Project. Reconstruction of the BNSF Railway Bridge will allow for increased traffic capacity on I-294 and improve the overall driving experience through one of the busiest section of the Tollway.
As the bridge is expected to last for decades to come, the bridge is being designed to accommodate foreseeable future needs to the greatest extent possible.
Work Zone Safety
The Illinois Tollway is committed to ensuring that the Central Tri-State Tollway (I-294) and the railroad remain safe for both drivers and workers during construction, which is part of the agency’s overall commitment to roadway safety.
Work zone speed limits are in effect in all construction zones 24/7 and drivers should continue to watch for changing traffic patterns and use caution, especially when workers are present. On I-294, a 45 mph work zone speed limit is in effect throughout the construction season.
Visit the Tollway's Work Zone Safety page.