ROCKFORD, Ill. (WIFR) – We now have a better idea of what to expect when passenger rail service returns to Rockford.
The Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) says Rockford is the largest city in the state without a train service, but people could soon be able to hop on a train there and get to Chicago in roughly two hours.
The ticketing process and prices for these trips are also being worked out.
“This is a high priority for IDOT and we’re working as hard as we can to get this delivered,” says Scott Speegle, IDOT passenger rail marketing manager.
IDOT plans to break ground on a passenger rail service from Chicago to Rockford in 2025; something the Forest City hasn’t seen since 1981.
Amtrak had a route named Blackhawk which ran from 1974 to 1981. It ended because of a decrease in funding and motor vehicles becoming people’s transportation of choice.
“It’s a driver for economic development, but also it provides opportunities for Rockford residents to not have to get on the tollway and sit in traffic, but can ride the train into Chicago,” says Speegle.
Before laying the rails, IDOT must conduct surveys, create initial designs and reach agreements with communities among other things. The state agency project is set to start construction at any point of the near 90-mile corridor sometime in 2025.
This is a state-funded project. In 2019, Governor J.B. Pritzker announced $275 million of the $45 billion Rebuild Illinois Capital Plan will be provided for this project.
Here are some proposed improvements:
- Track improvements to support speeds up to 79 mph
- Enhanced grade crossing surfaces, highway approaches and warning devices
- Bridge conditions evaluated
- Proposed siding near Marengo
There will be two round trips per day: One in the morning and one in the evening, with stops in Elgin, Huntley, and Belvidere.
IDOT also has plans for a round-trip freight train operating between Belvidere and Huntley as needed.
The IDOT design team is working on preferred station locations. Facilities and amenities include seating in passenger waiting shelters and platforms for passenger trains, parking (including bicycles) and information displays to show when the next train will arrive.
There will be no restaurants, stores or bathrooms at the passenger stations, according to IDOT.
“We‘ve got a lot of questions from people who are excited. Other people say ’Oh, really?’ It‘s a long story. I tell them that it’s coming soon. 2025 is the year,” says Greater Rockford Arab Chamber of Commerce President Mustafa Abdall.
The commerce says communication is important which is why they invited IDOT to share this information with its group Wednesday. Dozens of people also tuned into the meeting via a live Facebook stream.
While there are a lot of residents happy about this project, there are some who say they will believe it when they see it.
“It is coming. And if you go through the presentation, you will know why it took time. It’s not one click,” says Abdall.
“Once we do actually begin some construction work, people will get the message that it is going to happen,” says Speegle.
All designs for the project are in the works.
IDOT anticipates starting this service by 2027.
Those interested in learning more about the project can subscribe to the mailing list. You can also submit a comment via email: info@chicagotorockfordrail.com
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