Committee recommends council approve 'Big Boy' special-event permits, braces for tens of thousands of visitors

The West Chicago Public affairs committee on May 18 recommended that City Council approve special-event permits to host the Union Pacific “Big Boy” locomotive June 2–4 and discussed plans to manage what organizers described as potentially massive crowds.

The presenter told the committee, “we are expecting really, I don't know what to expect, but 45 to 70,000 visitors,” and said the locomotive would arrive June 2, be on display June 3 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Union Pacific training center next to the police station, and depart June 4 with an anticipated early-morning departure.

Committee members were told organizers have secured about 3,500 parking spaces across public and private lots, plan shuttle and trolley service to points of interest, and will provide printed maps and yard signs to direct visitors. The presenter said City Hall would be closed to general operations on June 3 but open for restroom use and as a potential cooling center; some police-lobby operations would be modified and access controlled.

Why it matters: The event is expected to draw a large, regional crowd that will affect downtown circulation, local businesses and municipal services. Committee members asked whether local restaurants could meet peak demand; the presenter said staff are developing a preparation guide and outreach will include restaurants across West Chicago to spread economic benefit and reduce strain on downtown vendors.

The committee also discussed traffic and transit coordination: the Union Pacific was asked to work with Metra to increase cars or train frequency for the visit, and organizers said trolleys and shuttle routes will help move people between parking locations and the event site.

The committee voted to forward the special-event permits to the full City Council for approval. During the vote the chair called the roll and the members present recorded affirmative votes, carrying the recommendation.

Votes at a glance: The committee approved the recommendation to forward the Big Boy special-event permits to City Council by unanimous voice/roll call among those present.

Next steps: The recommendation will go to the City Council for final approval and any additional conditions or permit requirements; the presenter said organizers will continue outreach to businesses and finalize parking and shuttle operations.

Source note: The article is based on the committee meeting transcript and direct remarks by the meeting presenter and committee officers.