|
Updated: 6:12 PM Dec 10, 2010
Chicago-Rockford-Dubuque Line Marks Return of Passenger Rail to Rockford.
Trains will run at least one round-trip daily between Chicago’s Union Station and Dubuque, with stops in Elgin, Genoa, Rockford and Galena.
Posted: 1:10 PM Dec 10, 2010Reporter: From IDOT |
|
11 Comments 
CHICAGO (IDOT) -- The Illinois Department of Transportation today announced the selection of the proposed southern route for Amtrak’s new Chicago-Rockford-Dubuque service from Chicago’s Union Station to downtown Rockford. The $60 million service will create 650 construction jobs, with trains running by early 2014.
“Illinois is committed to creating jobs and promoting economic development by linking our cities, businesses and universities through passenger rail,” said Governor Pat Quinn. “The selection of the southern route does the best job of accomplishing those goals safely and cost effectively.”
The selection of routes was based on an independent study by the Decatur office of URS Corp., one of the country’s top engineering design firms. The analysis showed that the southern route through Genoa will require a $26.2 million investment in upgraded infrastructure between Chicago and Rockford. Similar improvements on the proposed northern route through Belvidere would cost $62.3 million, raising the total cost of the route to more than $96 million. The study also determined an estimated annual ridership of 76,357 on the southern route compared to 54,988 on the northern route.
Safety was another deciding factor in the study. The southern route will cross 143 roads and highways. The northern route would cross 176. The southern route also will see fewer delays using only two railroads, while the northern route would require using four railroads. The full report can be viewed at www.dot.il.gov/DPIT/Chicago-Rockford%20Route%20Analysis%20Report%20FINAL%20101208.pdf
“The southern route offers the best deal for travelers and taxpayers,” Illinois Transportation Secretary Gary Hannig said. “After much deliberation, we are excited to start service to an underserved part of the state.”
The Chicago-Rockford-Dubuque line marks the return of passenger rail to the Rockford area for the first time since 1981. Trains will run at least one round-trip daily between Chicago’s Union Station and Dubuque, with stops in Elgin, Genoa, Rockford and Galena.
Illinois continues to lead the Midwest in establishing an intercity network of passenger rail. In addition to the Chicago-Rockford-Dubuque line, the state is adding service between Chicago, Moline and Iowa City. More than 80 miles of upgraded track and ties already have been installed on the state’s $1.1 billion signature high-speed rail route between Chicago and St. Louis. This year Amtrak set a ridership record in Illinois, serving almost 2 million passengers and improving on last year’s ridership by 7 percent.
The $60 million for Amtrak’s Chicago-Rockford-Dubuque service is made possible through Governor Quinn’s Illinois Jobs Now! capital program. The six-year, $31 billion plan includes $150 million for expanded Amtrak service.
Latest Comments
We are very excited about Passenger Rail from Dubuque to Chicago. The work Illinois has done to promote Passenger Rail is to be commended. It will help business and leisure connections to grow between the two States and the entire country. This is a long overdue step to make America better.
I strongly believe they are missing the boat by not using the northern route and under estimating the estimated ridership of that route. For one, that route would pass through Union, IL, the home of the Illinois Railway Museum, a tourist attraction. There could be a station right at the museum such that folks could get right off the train and visit the museum. It's a shame the report doesn't even take this into account as a potential source of ridership. If you doubt me on this, have you ever been out there for "A Day Out with Thomas the Tank Engine"? Second, that whole corridor along US-20 is really getting built up. Perhaps local population growth and ridership patterns could dictate additional stops in Marengo and/or Huntley for those who may want a get away in Chicago or Galena..or even Freeport :). Also, once this economy turns around, hopefully Belvidere will come back with the Chrysler plant and other industries further creating growth. Have vision. Spend money, do it right.
What the rail should be installed is a link to all the airports (CHI, GARY, MILW, ROCKFORD)at high speed so flights could be spread out, not have ORD expansions high cost, and revilize some of the less used airports. Planes could divert and with high speed people could still may their connections at other airports. Traffic and parking would improve. 3 states would benefit, so they together could lobby the federal government. Running a slow Amtrack from St Louis wouldn't help much. But High speed rail would promote efficiency, and travel to all areas, plus tourism.
