07/14/2026
There are so many fun opportunities and experiences in northern Illinois including the opportunity to watch Union Pacific's Big Boy pass by on the 17th.
On Friday July 17th, Union Pacific's Big Boy 4014 steam locomotive will pass through Braidwood along the Union Pacific Railway tracks. We know that there are many residents of Braidwood and neighboring communities who are eager for a chance to view this historic locomotive as it passes through our community and we are planning to create the safest viewing experience possible. We will be setting up a designated viewing area on S. Washington St. between Main St. and Center St. in the grass on the east side of the roadway (outlined in yellow for reference on the attached map). Viewing from the grass lot on S. Washington St. between Kane St. & Railroad St. will also be permitted. The viewing area will be marked with yellow caution tape, and we ask that viewers do not go past this line.
Big Boy 4014 is expected to leave South Holland at 9:00am, and is due to arrive in Dwight at 1:15pm. Union Pacific provides an online tracker to view the train's location, which is updated approximately every 15 minutes while in motion. Here is the link to the online tracking website: https://www.up.com/about-us/history/steam/track
Because Washington St. is a state highway (Rt. 129), no parking will be allowed along the roadway. Those arriving for viewing should park along side streets adjacent to Washington St. or in the municipal parking lot at Railroad St. & Main St. near the ice machine.
Spectators are encouraged to keep safety in mind at all times.
- Stay back at least 25 feet from all railroad tracks. This includes drones.
- Railroad tracks, trestles, yards and right of way are private property - do not trespass.
- Never assume tracks are abandoned or inactive - ALWAYS expect a train.
- Be a safe and considerate driver - do not pace the train.
- Be Aware of the Environment: Big Boy is positioned in a working rail environment with uneven walking surfaces that may create difficulty for accessibility.
Braidwood Police & ESDA personnel will be monitoring parking and pedestrian traffic along the viewing area."
