Union Pacific Project Underway To Build 3rd Railroad Line In Geneva

GENEVA, IL — A Union Pacific project to build a third railroad line near the current UP-West railway in Geneva is underway, officials said.

The project, funded by Union Pacific, consists of building a six-mile rail 20 feet south of the current tracks from Peck Road and Route 25. All three tracks going east toward Kirk Road will be shifted, and the new line will be built on the north side, according to city officials.

The line will run from Peck Road in Geneva to West Chicago.

In order to accommodate the work, Western Avenue, the Third Street grade crossings and the Route 31 underpass will temporarily close to traffic. Officials said the closures will be staggered to impact only one crossing at a time.

Starting this month, the contractor will stake and mark the project area, establish detours for the Fox River Trail — which will remain open — and remove trees adjacent to the Route 31 overflow commuter parking lot that closed in July to accommodate equipment staging for the next two years, Patch reported.

Union Pacific's work will take place seven days a week with extended construction hours, according to city officials. In accordance with federal law, trains will slow down and sound their horns when entering construction areas regardless of previously designated quiet zones.

Here's a look at Union Pacific's upcoming schedule:

• Fox River train bridge: October 2022 to April 2024
• Route 31 underpass: April to August 2023
• Third Street crossing: April to June 2024
• Western Avenue crossing: June to July 2024

Those interested can subscribe to receive project updates from Geneva's construction blog.