Above history includes trackage used by commuter trains prior to 1926, when commuter operation was electrified. The commuter operation after then could be considered separate, evolving to the Metra Electric District The 1893 Columbian Exposition World's Fair had a major impact on the history of the Illinois Central in Chicago. The railroad was elevated through Hyde Park, the area where the fair was held. And additional tracks were constructed to accommodate additional trains. The railroad was also converted to right hand operation. Prior to then, with the railroad at ground level, station buildings were on the west side of the right of way, and thus on the inbound side with left hand operation. Which supposedly is the reason why the former Chicago & North Western lines continue with left hand operation. With elevation of the Illinois Central right of way, this was no longer a consideration.
Prior to the 1926 electrification of the commuter operation, eight tracks existed between Chicago and 67th Street. From west to east, the pairs of tracks were local commuter, through passenger, express commuter, freight. And six tracks existed between 67th Street and Kensington. From west to east, the pairs of tracks were commuter, through passenger, freight.
Prior to electrification, there were generally four tracks between Kensington and Matteson. The west pair was for passenger trains, and the east pair was for freight trains. Although by 1924, an additional pair of freight tracks to the east was added between Kensington and Riverdale. And a separate pair of commuter train tracks was added to the west between Harvey and Richton.
After the commuter operation was electrified, four non electrified tracks were established to the east. The west pair was for passenger trains, and the east pair was for freight trains.
Radio Frequency - 160.920 (AAR Channel 54)
Dispatcher - 161.190 (AAR Channel 72)
Radio Frequency - 160.305 (AAR Channel 13) (Chicago Union Station)
Radio Frequency - 161.100 (AAR Channel 66) (BNSF Union Street)
Radio Frequency - 160.230 (AAR Channel 08) (St. Charles Air Line)
Dispatcher - 160.290 (AAR Channel 12) (St. Charles Air Line/CSX "RB" Dispatcher)
1.5 16th Street (crossing-remote-Metra dispatcher)
4.6 39th Street
8.1 67th Street
12.0 95th Street (connection-NS)
14.5 Kensington (NICTD crossing/remote-Metra dispatcher)
15.5 Wildwood
17.9 Highlawn
19.9 North Jct. (connection-CSX)
20.1 South Jct. (connection-CSX)
23.5 Homewood (north end 3 tracks)
26.0 Vollmer (south end 3 tracks)
28.4 Swede (connection-Matteson Subdivision)
28.9 Harris (connection-Matteson Subdivision)
31.6 Stuenkel (south end 2 tracks)
2 tracks, CTC in use, controlled by Dispatcher Desk #1 in Homewood. Some segments of 3 and 4 tracks.
Route as it likely existed during 1950's, prior to elimination of certain multiple tracks.