The Columbia Avenue Grade Separation project will raise Columbia Avenue over the Burlington Northern Santa Fe (BNSF) railroad tracks in the Hunter Business Park. The project extends from La Cadena Drive to Iowa Avenue. Retaining walls will be constructed along both sides of Columbia Avenue to support the raised roadway. Access to properties along Columbia Ave east of the railroad tracks will be maintained via a one-way service road. Ardmore Street and Stacy Court west of the railroad will be closed at Columbia Avenue and a new street, Paige Court, will be constructed north of Columbia to connect Ardmore Street and Stacy Court to Columbia at Chicago.
Construction Schedule
Construction began in December 2008 and will continue for approximately 16 months. During the first phase of construction, Columbia Avenue will be open to through traffic but lane reductions are expected. After the first phase of construction, Columbia Avenue will be closed to through traffic for approximately 9-11 months. Traffic detours will be provided as shown in the map at left.
Project Benefits
Eliminates 4.8 hours per day of gate down time which stops traffic on Columbia
Eliminates about 3 minutes of average delay for each emergency responder that encounters a train
Eliminates over 29 tons per year of green house gases generated by idling vehicles delayed by trains (based on 2030 projections).
Project Facts
Average daily traffic on Columbia Avenue is currently 16,300 vehicles per day and is projected to increase to 41,000 by 2025
Approximately 100 trains per day cross Columbia Avenue
By 2030 the number of trains crossing Columbia Avenue each day is projected to increase to increase to 169 trains per day
Each day the railroad gates are down approximately 5 hours
Project Cost and Funding
Estimated cost of the project is $29 million. Project funding includes:
Average daily traffic on Columbia Avenue is currently 16,300 vehicles per day and is projected to increase to 41,000 by 2025
