OMAHA, Neb. – Union Pacific Railroad plans a major signal upgrade in Elmhurst that will reduce the need to stop or park freight trains in the western suburbs of Chicago. The new system will allow freight trains to leave or arrive simultaneously at Union Pacific’s major freight switching yard in Melrose Park.
The work temporarily will impact operations in Elmhurst from December 6 to December 12 as passing trains will be slowed to 20 miles per hour. Trains also will sound their horns while passing through the work zone.
The Federal Railroad Workers Safety Act requires that every train sound its horn when approaching employees working on railroad property. The result will be that every train passing through Elmhurst will have to sound its horn until the project is finished.
To expedite the project, work will take place 24 hours a day with 40 people working each shift.
The project will involve seven crossings in Elmhurst east of West Avenue. Poplar Street will be closed and at times the signal warning times at the Myrtle, Maple, Cottage Hill, York, Kenilworth and Haven crossings could be reduced.
