Tier 2

Elwood to Braidwood

About the Project

In accordance with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) and the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) have jointly prepared a Tier 2 Environmental Assessment (EA) for the Elwood to Braidwood Track Construction Project.

This Tier 2 EA represents the next stage in the EIS tiering process associated with the Chicago to St. Louis HSR Corridor Program. It studies in greater detail a proposed second track along the mainline service of the Union Pacific Railroad between Elwood and Braidwood (Mileposts 44.60 to 55.50) in Will County, Illinois. The Elwood to Braidwood EA evaluates the environmental and cultural impacts of constructing a second track to accommodate high-speed passenger rail service.

Learn more about the project on the FRA's webpage.

Finding of No Significant Impact

A Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI) for the Elwood to Braidwood Project was prepared and signed by FRA on December 18, 2025. The FONSI and supporting appendices can be viewed by selecting the links below.

• FONSI
• FONSI Appendices

Environmental Assessment

An Environmental Assessment (EA) was prepared for the Tier 2 project-level evaluation for the Elwood to Braidwood Project, which can be viewed by selecting the links below.

The EA public comment period deadline was extended by FRA to August 15, 2025. The public comment period is now closed.

A public hearing was held on Thursday, August 7, 2025, from 4:00PM to 7:00PM.
Location: Fossil Ridge Public Library District, 386 W Kennedy Rd, Braidwood IL 60408

Meeting Materials

• Display Boards
• Public Hearing Presentation
• Public Hearing Presentation (video)
• Fact Sheet
• Newsletter

Downloads

• Tier 2 Environmental Assessment/Draft Section 4(f) Evaluation Elwood to Braidwood Track Construction Project
  
  
• Appendix A Environmental Map Set, Build Alternative 1B Design, Build Alternative 2A Design
• Appendix B Abbreviations, Acronyms, and References
• Appendix C Project Background
• Appendix D1 Physical Environment
• Appendix D2 Ecological Systems
• Appendix D3 Ecological Systems Natural Resources Reports and Correspondence (in 4 parts)
  • D3.1 - 2024 Natural Resources Report Update
  • D3.2 - 2020 Wetland Delineation Report
  • D3.3 - EcoCAT, IPAC, Grassland Bird Memo
  • D3.4 - Biological Assessment for Section 7 Consultation
• Appendix D4 Human Environment
• Appendix D5 Historic Property Identification and Effects Assessment Report
• Appendix D6 DRAFT Section 4(f) Evaluation
• Appendix E Distribution List
• Appendix F Scoping, Agency Coordination, and Public Involvement Materials
• Appendix G Secondary and Cumulative Impacts

Map

The Project Area extends between Elwood and Braidwood along the Union Pacific Railroad, a distance of approximately 9.59 miles.