A collection of local elected officials led by 12th Ward Alderwoman Julia Ramirez have petitioned the Norfolk Southern railroad company to fix the crumbling supports beneath the disused railroad viaduct crossing above West Pershing Road and South Western Boulevard and Avenue in Chicago’s McKinley Park neighborhood.

Signatories to the letter include Ramirez, Illinois 12th District State Senator Celina Villanueva , Illinois 24th District State Representative Theresa Mah , Illinois 1st District State Senator Javier Loera Cervantes , Illinois 1st District State Representative Aaron Ortiz and Cook County 7th District Commissioner Alma Anaya .

The May 21, 2025, letter to Herbert Smith, Norfolk Southern's regional vice president for government relations, states:

Dear Mr. Smith:

As area elected officials representing the intersection of S. Western Ave/Blvd & W. Pershing Rd, we write to Norfolk Southern (NS) railroad company to ask for its partnership in addressing the structural conditions of the viaduct to enhance pedestrian and traffic safety.

Our residents consistently reach out to us to express their concerns of NS's freight railroad viaduct structure and pillars in the public right-of-way at Western and Pershing. Many of these pillars are in a state of disrepair and do not look structurally sound. Poor lighting, the placement of pillars in the roadway, and low viaduct clearance make it challenging for both motorists and pedestrians to safely navigate this intersection. As a result, vehicular crashes and trailers getting stuck under the viaduct happen on a regular basis. According to data provided by the Chicago Department of Transportation (CDOT) attached here, nearly 100 crashes have occurred since January of 2022 at the Western & Pershing viaduct and bridge structures. In order for us to collectively address these issues we ask that NS agrees to the following:

• Provide a structural evaluation of Norfolk Southern's viaducts and pillars and if necessary, take immediate action to address any unsafe conditions
• Meet with local stakeholders, elect officials, and CDOT to create a pedestrian and traffic safety improvement plan
• Commit to regular maintenance of viaduct structure and pillars

We look forward to your cooperation in making this vital improvement for the safety and well-being of all who pass through this intersection. You can follow up with us by contacting 12th Ward Chief of Staff, William "Bill" Drew Jr at bill@the12thward.org.

Ramirez also spoke about the issue with CBS News Chicago in the May 21, 2025, televised segment "Neighbors, alderwoman concerned about safety at crash-prone Southwest Side Chicago railway overpass."