Congress Cuts Funding For Railroad Flyover Bridge

CHICAGO (CBS) -- Funding has been cut for a massive bridge that would have eased rail congestion in the South Side's Englewood neighborhood.

As WBBM Newsradio 780's John Cody reports, U.S. Sen. Richard Durbin (D-Ill.) says House Republicans have zeroed out funding for the $133 million Englewood Flyover.

LISTEN: Newsradio 780's John Cody reports

The flyover was to be a north-south bridge to carry Metra Rock Island Line trains over east-west Amtrak Norfolk Southern trains and transcontinental freight tracks above 64th and State streets.

The triple-tracked bridge would have included a possible additional track for a potential high-speed intercity train, according to published reports.

Durbin asserts the rail bridge or flyover is needed to unclog east-west train shipments and keep Chicago a central hub for transcontinental freight shipments.

"I think we can revive it," Durbin said. "But we need bipartisan support to do it. We cannot do it alone with Democrats in the Senate. We need Republican support."

Durbin says construction of the Englewood Flyover, if re-funded, would provide 1,500 construction jobs.

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• John Cody