Braidwood, IL – The public now has more time to weigh in on a major infrastructure project in Will County, as officials have extended the comment period for the Elwood to Braidwood Track Construction Project’s environmental assessment.
According to the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA), the deadline to submit public comments on the Tier 2 Environmental Assessment (EA) for the proposed second track along the Union Pacific Railroad mainline has been moved to August 15, 2025. The Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) and FRA are jointly preparing the assessment to evaluate the environmental and cultural impacts of constructing the new high-speed passenger rail service between Elwood and Braidwood.
A public hearing is scheduled for Thursday, August 7, 2025, from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the Fossil Ridge Public Library District, 386 W Kennedy Rd, Braidwood, IL 60408. Residents and interested parties can review the draft EA and associated documents online and are encouraged to submit their feedback.
The Tier 2 EA represents a critical phase in the Chicago to St. Louis High-Speed Rail Corridor Program, focusing on the impacts of building a second track between mileposts 44.60 and 55.50 in Will County. Project documents and detailed appendices are available for download, covering natural resources, human environment, historic property identification, and more.
Comments can be submitted online through the FRA’s designated webpage. The public’s input will help guide final decisions regarding the proposed rail expansion.
This article was produced by a journalist and may include AI-assisted input. All content is reviewed for accuracy and fairness.
Follow us on Instagram & Facebook for more relevant news stories and SUPPORT LOCAL INDEPENDENT NEWS! Have a tip? Message us!
