The regional partners met again on May 15, 2024 to discuss the proposed Chicago Logistics Hub by the CN Railway. In attendance were representatives from:
- The Village of Channahon (including Channahon Police Department)
- The Village of Minooka (including Minooka Police Department)
- The City of Morris
- Grundy County
- Representative Jed Davis’ office
- Representative Jason Bunting’s office
- Senator Tom Bennet’s office
- Grundy Economic Development Council
- Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT)
- Ann Schneider Consulting
- TranSystems
Transportation continues to be the prevailing topic of discussion. IDOT has held meetings with existing area businesses to discuss entrance consolidation and existing intersection improvements along Route 6. Several options are being examined. TranSystems, the Village of Channahon’s hired traffic consultant, has analyzed the possible routing of new roadways and access points for what is physically possible to be constructed. The firm will next model traffic flows along these hypothetical routes to determine the impacts of the potential locations.
The ten partnering groups that have applied for a $400,000 State Planning & Research Funds Grant are awaiting the news of grant awards. The IDOT central office could make an announcement sometime in the July-November timeframe. Ann Schneider and Associates LLC is confident that the group has a competitive application. If awarded, the grant will be used for detailed transportation planning in the area to prepare for the expected development from a multitude of different projects throughout the region, including the Chicago Logistics Hub.
No new submittals of revised traffic studies have been received from CN or their engineer, V3 Companies. There remains no application on-file with the Village of Channahon for development. With the size and scope of this project, approval and review is required ranging from local jurisdictions -all the way to the federal government. Information and final details may be slow-coming. Please check back regularly for any updates.