Cicero (Chicago), IL Railyards

Overview of the Intermodal Railyards

BNSF Cicero Intermodal Terminal is the primary rail facility, operated by BNSF Railway, spanning over 250 acres and handling both container and trailer traffic. The yard connects with Union Pacific, CN, Norfolk Southern, and CSX via trackage rights, supporting diverse cargo including consumer goods, automotive, and industrial products.

Cicero’s intermodal terminal features advanced transfer capabilities for containers and trailers, direct highway access to I-55 and I-290, and seamless integration with regional truck and rail networks. The facility supports high-volume UPS operations and is a key node in BNSF’s TransCon and Great Northern Corridors.

Market Size and Economic Impact

Cicero’s rail terminals process more than 1 million intermodal lifts per year, contributing to Chicago’s status as the nation’s largest rail hub. The rail sector supports over 38,000 jobs in the region, with an estimated $9 billion annual economic impact, and handles nearly 25% of all U.S. rail freight traffic.

Competitive Landscape

• BNSF Railway: Operates Cicero Intermodal Terminal, a high-capacity hub for container and trailer traffic with direct links to national corridors
• Union Pacific & Norfolk Southern: Hold trackage rights and interchange at Cicero, enabling seamless east-west and north-south freight flows
• CN & CSX: Access Cicero via shared infrastructure, expanding reach for bulk, automotive, and intermodal shipments across North America

Opportunities

• E-commerce Expansion: Rising parcel and consumer goods volumes drive demand for intermodal and last-mile logistics capacity
• Infrastructure Modernization: CREATE program investments enhance rail fluidity, reduce congestion, and improve terminal throughput
• Midwest Distribution Growth: Cicero’s connectivity attracts new warehousing, manufacturing, and distribution center developments

Challenges

• Congestion Management: High train volumes and complex interchange operations create bottlenecks and scheduling challenges
• Urban Constraints: Limited land for expansion and proximity to residential areas restrict terminal growth and operational flexibility
• Aging Infrastructure: Ongoing need for upgrades to bridges, tracks, and signaling to maintain efficiency and safety

Trade and Logistics Trends

• Intermodal Surge: Steady growth in containerized freight, driven by e-commerce and Midwest distribution
• Automotive Shipments: Strong flows of finished vehicles and parts between Midwest plants and national markets
• Cross-Railroad Transfers: High frequency of interline moves between Class I carriers at Cicero and adjacent yards

Future Outlook

• Terminal Upgrades: Planned expansions and technology enhancements to boost capacity and operational speed
• CREATE Program: Ongoing public-private projects to streamline rail flows and reduce congestion across the Chicago region
• Green Initiatives: Investments in cleaner locomotives and terminal electrification to meet sustainability goals

Recommendations

• Capacity Expansion: Prioritize land acquisition and yard reconfiguration to accommodate future freight growth
• Technology Integration: Deploy advanced scheduling, automation, and real-time tracking to optimize terminal operations
• Community Engagement: Strengthen partnerships with local stakeholders to address noise, traffic, and environmental concerns