Passenger rail service is set to make a comeback in Rockford, Illinois, for the first time since the early 1980s. Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker has announced a new state partnership with Metra to extend one of their main service lines further west. The Milwaukee District West Line will be extended beyond Elgin to reach Rockford, with stops expected to be built in Huntley and Belvidere.
The aim is for train service to begin in 2027, with an estimated cost of $275 million. Governor Pritzker expressed his excitement about the new service, stating that it will connect more communities and create greater opportunities for people across the state line region. He highlighted the positive impacts that the Rockford Intercity Passenger Rail service will have, including job creation, economic growth, and a reduction in pollution and traffic congestion.
Metra will partner with the Union Pacific Railroad to facilitate the new service. The project will involve upgrading bridges, improving grade crossings, and building double-track service into the Metra system. State Senator Steve Stadelman emphasized the significance of this development for Rockford and Belvidere, stating that it will be a game-changer and spur economic development across northern Illinois.
The Milwaukee District West Line currently serves Chicago’s northwestern suburbs, making stops in various locations before ending in Elgin. Once the extension is complete, travel time between Chicago and Rockford is expected to be around two hours, with two round-trips per day currently planned.
To provide more information about the project, a new website will be launched detailing its overview. Additionally, operations and maintenance agreements will need to be established with Metra, Union Pacific, and the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT).
The return of passenger rail service to Rockford is highly anticipated and is expected to bring numerous benefits to the region. It will enhance connectivity, create jobs, boost economic growth, and provide a more sustainable transportation option for residents and visitors alike.
What infrastructure improvements will be necessary for the extension of the Milwaukee District West Line to Rockford
Passenger rail service is making a long-awaited comeback in Rockford, Illinois, after four decades of absence. Governor J.B. Pritzker of Illinois has announced a new state partnership with Metra that will extend their main service line, the Milwaukee District West Line, further west to reach Rockford. The plan includes building stops in Huntley and Belvidere.
The anticipated launch date for train service is 2027, with an estimated cost of $275 million. Governor Pritzker expressed his enthusiasm for the new service, emphasizing its potential to connect communities and create more opportunities for people in the region. He highlighted the positive impacts of the Rockford Intercity Passenger Rail service, such as job creation, economic growth, and reduced pollution and traffic congestion.
Metra will collaborate with the Union Pacific Railroad to facilitate the new service. The project will involve upgrading bridges, improving grade crossings, and integrating double-track service into the Metra system. State Senator Steve Stadelman emphasized the significance of this development for Rockford and Belvidere, stating that it will be a game-changer and promote economic development throughout northern Illinois.
Currently, the Milwaukee District West Line serves the northwestern suburbs of Chicago, making various stops before terminating in Elgin. Once the extension is completed, the travel time between Chicago and Rockford is expected to be approximately two hours, with two round-trip journeys per day.
To provide more information about the project, a new website will be launched with a comprehensive overview. Additionally, operations and maintenance agreements will need to be established with Metra, Union Pacific, and the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT).
The return of passenger rail service to Rockford is highly anticipated and is set to bring numerous benefits to the region. It will enhance connectivity, generate employment opportunities, foster economic growth, and offer a more sustainable transportation option for residents and visitors.
This exciting announcement of the return of passenger rail service to Rockford through a partnership with Metra marks a significant milestone in the development of transportation infrastructure. This move will undoubtedly enhance connectivity, boost economic growth, and provide convenience to residents and visitors alike. Kudos to Governor and Metra for their visionary approach towards improving transportation in Illinois!
This is fantastic news for Rockford! The return of passenger rail service in partnership with Metra will undoubtedly enhance accessibility, boost economic growth, and improve transportation options for residents. A great step towards a more interconnected and sustainable future.