The Elwood to Braidwood Track Construction Project will build a second railroad track along the mainline service of the Union Pacific Railroad between Elwood and Braidwood (Mileposts 44.60 to 55.50) in Will County, Illinois. This project is part of the Chicago to St. Louis High-Speed Rail Program (HSR Program) that was assessed in a  2012 Tier 1 Final Environmental Impact Statement and Record of Decision. The Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) is the project proponent and sponsor.

The project includes construction of a second rail track, a maintenance access facility (unpaved path only accessible by the railroad) running parallel to the existing track, and retaining walls. Additionally, the project will construct a new bridge over Prairie Creek, modernize highway-rail grade crossings, and make improvements to signal equipment, culverts, and fencing. 

NEPA Status

FRA’s National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) process is complete. On December 18, 2025, FRA issued a Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI) and Final Section 4(f) Evaluation. The FONSI Appendices are also available on the FRA website. 

FRA released the EA for public review and comment July 9, 2025 through August 15, 2025. An open house public hearing took place at the Fossil Ridge Public Library District on August 7, 2025. 

The EA Appendices are available at IDOT’s project website.

FRA Points of Contact

FRA NEPA Contact:
Michelle Allen, Environmental Protection Specialist 
Office of Environmental Program Management
Federal Railroad Administration
1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE
West Building, Mail Stop 20
Washington, DC 20590 
michelle.allen@dot.gov

Media Queries Contact:
Phone: 202-493-6024
Email: FRAPA@dot.gov