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Park Forest / CN Rail-Fan Park
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Artist rendering of the ADA boardwalk
to the top with the viewing platform. |
The CNR Connection:
a railroad "cloverleaf" intersection.
Credit: Jim Nugent, OPRT Webmaster
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The Caboose Has Arrived!
From the Chicago Sun Times / Southtown Star
http://southtownstar.suntimes.com/12111676-522/the-little-caboose-that-could-help-draw-tourists-to-park-forest.html (Be sure to click on the photo gallery to see the details of this delecate move.)
And a ringing endorsement from the SouthtownStar
http://southtownstar.suntimes.com/opinions/12321578-474/rail-parks-potential-is-exciting.html
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The caboose donated to the Rail Park by CN.
Freshly repainted #531 was recently delivered.
Photo Credits for Caboose: Joseph P Meier Sun-Times Media
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"Elgin, Joliet & Eastern Railway caboose #531 (built in 1953) is one of 50 cabooses built in 1950's for the EJ&E by Morrison International Corporation of Buffalo, New York. It served on all parts of the EJ&E until it was retired from service in the 1990's, and passed through Park Forest numerous times." |
See one of the country’s largest rail intersections, where the Canadian National main line connects with the Metra line, from a 35’ high train viewing platform. This is a must-visit attraction for area visitors!
Directions to the Park:
(Orchard Dr in Park Forest is under construction with traffic one-way northbound only!)
FROM i-57 (South) Take Sauk Trail exit East to Orchard Dr, take Orchard No to North Street. Left (west) on North St which ends at the Rail Fan Park/Metra Station.
FROM I-57 (North) Take Rte #30/Lincoln Hwy East to Main St (Speedway Station). Right on Main to Front St at the Metra Sta. Left (East) under the Metra viaduct to Homan Ave. Right on Homan past the Park Forest Commuter Lot to the Rail Fan Park.
FROM #394 (North or South) Take Rte #30/Lincoln Hwy West to Western Ave. Left (South) on Western Ave to North St (U Haul). Right (West) on North St which ends at the Rail Fan Park / Metra Station.
Acquisition of the Elgin, Joliet and Eastern Railroad (which travels east and west through Park Forest) by the Canadian National Corporation was a big news item in the Chicagoland area. The EJ&E crosses under the north-south Metra Rail line at a site adjacent to Park Forest’s commuter parking lot. A 4 acre undeveloped parcel owned by the Village had remained undeveloped. In order to accommodate rail movements from E-W to N-S, CN has constructed a major railroad intersection on half of this parcel. This project is best described as a “highway cloverleaf interchange for trains”. There exists a grade separation of over 25’ between the existing EJ&E line and the Metra line (owned by CN). This rail intersection is unique in the US. The Park Forest Rail Fan Park is currently under development. The well known Old Plank Road Trail (22 mile rails-to-trails project) runs from Park Forest to Joliet on the opposite (North) side of the commuter lot. The key element of the park will be an accessible train viewing platform 35 feet high so as to view the various train movements. There is projected to be at least 32 trains passing through this site daily.
In addition to spectacular views of the train movements, the plan is for the park to be a destination to tell significant historical stories. A railway caboose was recently installed as a special feature at the park. A variety of interpretive signs and displays are also under development in comfortable rest areas on the boardwalk and throughout the park. Stories to be told include “the role of railroads in the development of the Chicago area”, “the story behind the name Old Plank Road Trail”, “the story of the CN Rail intersection” and maps displaying the Old Plank Road Trail and its many connections. A scanner to be installed at the viewing platform will monitor communications between train operaters and dispatchers. The park landscape will all be native to Illinois and depict what one would have seen on a train ride through Illinois 100 years ago.
The corner stone of the park will be a 500 foot long ramp which will traverse an earth mound to the viewing platform 35 feet above the park. A trail from the ramp will connect to nearby Holden Park and to the Old Plank Road Trail. The Park Forest Rail Fan Park will become a major tourist destination for train buffs throughout the United States.
Additional Links:
The Old Plank Road Trail: www.oprt.org
Click on CN Photos for more great photos and maps of the connection. Many thanks to Jim Nugent,
The Village of Park Forest: www.villageofparkforest.com
Click Recreation & Parks and visit Central Park Wetlands, the Aqua Center, Freedom Hall Cultural Arts, Tennis & Health Club all just a mile south of Old Plank Road Trail via Orchard Dr bike lanes.
2011 Construction Pics
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22 mile Old Plank Road Trail
Ride your bike to the Rail Fan Park |
The trail viewing east just 100 yds
from the Rail Fan Park
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Hilltop for viewing platform with Metra Station
in the background.
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Two trains seen from the viewing platform.
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Close up view from inside the circle the Platform
Site will be on top of the hill between the 2
signal towers. |
The 1st CN train swings around from E-W to be able to
go N-S with the Future platform site behind the engine.
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Artist rendering complete with the caboose and
boardwalk.
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The Canadian National Connection at the area of the
Rail Fan Park as it looks today. What you can see today! |
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