Chicago serves as one of North America’s largest and most critical freight hubs, and CN has strategically positioned itself to navigate the city’s notoriously congested infrastructure with unmatched efficiency. By acquiring the EJ&E in 2009, CN secured an exclusive outerbelt around Chicago’s downtown, enabling faster and more reliable transit. This unique infrastructure offers a twofold speed advantage compared to other Class I railroads, significantly reducing transit times—by up to 48 hours—through the region. Additionally, CN’s streamlined interchange points with other carriers enhance operational efficiency, ensuring a higher standard of reliability for customers moving goods through this vital transportation corridor.
In late 2023, CN determined a four-mile siding extension between Sutton and Spaulding in the Chicago area was needed, with a target completion date of Q2 2024. However, unexpected obstacles—including drainage issues, permitting challenges for tree removal, and other unforeseen setbacks—threatened to push the project into 2025.
By December 2024, with time running out and the project still incomplete, a bold decision was made. Wade Clark, Assistant Chief, Production, and his team stepped up to the plate with a groundbreaking solution: for the first time, they would take on the ambitious task of building the track entirely in-house.
A first for the team, a win for CN
Historically, CN’s production teams have focused on laying rails, ties, and surfacing—not constructing a brand-new track from scratch. But Wade had unwavering confidence in his team’s expertise. In just a few weeks, 80 dedicated employees worked tirelessly, laying ballast, installing rails and ties, and even building the turnout—delivering the project just in time for the holidays.
By December 23, the team had completed the new double track, which included grading, signals, and bridge work. The extension was made operational that evening, an impressive feat that some called a true Christmas miracle.
Results that speak volumes
This new four-mile double track is more than just a win for CN—it’s a win for the entire greater Chicago region. The project has already resulted in a 30% increase in area speed and a 17% boost in capacity, ensuring smoother, more reliable travel for both customers and neighbouring communities during peak hours. As train volumes continue to grow, this track extension will play a vital role in keeping CN and its customers moving forward, faster and safer than ever.
Collaboration at its best
The project’s success wasn’t just about hard work—it was about teamwork. Seamless collaboration between CN’s Engineering, Transportation, and Regional Operations Center (ROC) teams played a pivotal role.
Under the leadership of Jeremiah Thomas, General Manager, the Transportation team scheduled daily work blocks and managed operations to support construction. Meanwhile, Terrance Trendl, Senior Manager, had his ROC team coordinate train movements, ensuring traffic kept flowing smoothly. Together, these teams stayed aligned through daily communication, addressing challenges as they arose and maintaining a safe, incident-free work environment.
A game-changer for the future
This project isn’t just about meeting a deadline—it’s about building for the future. The extended siding will improve capacity, reduce staging in this high-traffic corridor, and ensure faster recovery from incidents. It also minimizes the need for recrews, enhancing operational efficiency and supporting time-sensitive intermodal and sand trains.