This is the website  for the Chicago Section of the American Society of Mechanical Engineers. Our geographic area spans the greater Chicago metropolitan area, including Northwest Indiana.

The Chicago Section supports the student sections of Northwestern University, the University of Illinois at Chicago, Illinois Institute of Technology, Olivet Nazarene University, and Purdue University Northwest.

Please Join us for up coming events:

Presentation Focus:

Please note new date and location: Wednesday 3/12/2025 New location Illinois Room. Student Center East on UIC Campus

IDOT/UPRR 110 MPH Higher Speed Rail Corridor, Chicago to St. Louis – Roadway design and construction activities for the installation of four quadrant gates along the corridor from Chicago to Springfield. Built upon prior four quadrant gates designs completed by the Commission to develop design guidelines and construction sequence used along corridor.  From small hinges and exit gate mechanisms to vehicle detection and train control systems, the 110 mph Higher Speed Rail Project from Chicago to St. Louis presented unique challenges blending many engineering disciplines.

Background:

The attached Trains Magazine article gives a good background of the overall project and challenges with the Positive Train Control and Incremental Train Control Systems and integrating with crossing warning devices.   We will give more detail from onsite at the crossings and the mechanical and civil challenges to provide the improvements.  I plan to also compare 110 mph line to other passenger lines without the system and the activities underway to mitigate Loss of Shunt concerns.

Click Here for More Details, and Sign-Up information: https://asmechicago.org/idot-uprr-110-mph-higher-speed-rail-corridor-chicago-to-st-louis

Get Details about the Chicago Section Scholarship.  Click Here

For more information about the Chicago Section, E-mail  A. Thomas Peterson at asmechicago@outlook.com