Union Pacific has plan to improve rail traffic in Wheaton

A grade crossing immediately south of Wheaton College's campus could be closed as part of a Union Pacific Railroad plan to install crossover tracks and a pedestrian underpass in the area.

Union Pacific has informed Wheaton that it wants to construct the crossover tracks at the site of the existing Chase Street crossing to improve the flow of freight and passenger traffic through DuPage County. Crossovers allow trains to move from one of set of tracks to another.

According to the city, railroad officials say there are no crossovers on the west line between West Chicago and Elmhurst. In addition to the Wheaton site, Union Pacific is considering installing another crossover in the Lombard area, officials said.

But before the Wheaton project could become a reality, the city must agree to the closure of the Chase Street crossing and vacate the road's right of way.

If the Chase crossing is closed, Union Pacific says it will build a pedestrian tunnel in the area so college students and other residents can continue to have access to both sides of the tracks.

Officials said one benefit of the project is the Illinois Commerce Commission wants to close as many grade crossings as possible.

So the ICC is willing to contribute $1 million to help pay for the work. The rest of the cost would be paid by Union Pacific and Metra. The city wouldn't have to contribute any money.

But before the ICC can commit its share of the funding, it must know "within the next several months" if Wheaton would consider vacating the right of way.

During a Monday night planning session, city council members expressed support for the idea. A formal process still must happen before the street could be vacated.

City Manager Don Rose said the underpass is one of several safety improvements in Wheaton that Union Pacific is planning.

For instance, a pedestrian bridge might be installed near the downtown Metra train station. And pedestrian gates are planned for various grade crossings.

But there is no possibility of a vehicular underpass being built at Chase Street. That idea already has been rejected by Union Pacific.

As for the pedestrian tunnel, work could start later this year.