Freeport officials say viaduct project stalled by utilities and railroad permits; completion expected by late spring
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Summary
City staff told the council that winter conditions, delayed utility relocations by NICOR and permit pauses from Canadian National freight railroad caused the viaduct project to stall; staff said permits were reissued Feb. 4 and estimated completion by May–June 2026 with contingency emergency routes in place.
The Freeport City Council pressed staff for clarity on a stalled viaduct project and received a detailed status update placing responsibility for delays with utility relocations and railroad permitting.
Director Siegel told the council that winter construction conditions and frost in the ground are limiting progress. He said a franchise partner, NICOR, delayed relocation of a high‑pressure gas main and that NICOR did not complete its work until October 2025 after hitting other underground utilities. Siegel said such franchise obligations are outside the city's direct control.
On rail access, Siegel said Canadian National (CN) owns property over much of the project footprint and has authority to control access. He reported CN paused public flagging and asked for additional excavation details in late December; Siegel said CN reissued permits for the contractor on Feb. 4. "Currently, it's expected the project will be completed in May before June '26," Siegel said, noting asphalt plants typically reopen in early May and that paving cannot occur before then.
Emergency planning: staff said they have coordinated alternative access routes with the fire department and that, in some cases, emergency responders can use a private 'inertia' access or cut locks in an emergency while committing to repair any damage. Siegel said the Hancock Bridge remains rated for limited traffic but is on a replacement schedule administered by IDOT and subject to historical‑railings review as part of state funding requirements.
Why it matters: the viaduct connects neighborhoods and has raised repeated calls from residents for progress. Staff emphasized the city's limited authority over railroad rights‑of‑way and the practical constraints of winter construction.
Next steps: staff will continue coordination with NICOR and CN, pursue work as weather and permitting allow, and return to the council with updates as the contractor resumes work in spring.
