Rail traffic gets a TIGER-size bonus

Chicago's freight rail logjam will be the beneficiary of $100 million in federal funding that's part of the economic stimulus program.

The U.S. Department of Transportation is expected to announce its Transportation Investment Generating Economic Recovery, or TIGER, grants today.

However, requests for funding to build an interchange between I-57 and the Tri-State, and to run Pace express buses between the South suburbs and O'Hare on I-294 didn't appear to make the cut.

A spokeswoman for U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin confirmed Tuesday that $100 million will go to the Chicago Region Environmental and Transportation Efficiency Project or CREATE. The more than $2 billion effort involves 47 railway improvements such as grade separations to move freight more quickly through the Chicago gridlock.

"This $100 million will help unsnarl rail traffic and most importantly create jobs," Illinois Department of Transportation Secretary Gary Hannig said.

Competition was fierce for the $1.5 billion in TIGER funds available. Illinois received an additional $28 million for two downstate projects.

The Illinois State Toll Highway Authority had sought a grant to connect I-57 and the Tri-State in the South suburbs. The tollway had also collaborated with Pace to request aid to create a bus rapid transit system along I-294 from South Holland to job centers in Oak Brook, Rosemont and around O'Hare International Airport.

Hannig said the state had submitted numerous worthwhile projects.

"We'd love more funding, but we're very happy to receive this significant award," he said.