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 are the anticipated benefits of the new passenger rail service in Rockford, Illinois?
Passenger rail service is making a long-awaited comeback in Rockford, Illinois, marking the end of a decades-long absence. Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker recently announced a new state partnership with Metra to extend their main service line westward. The plan involves extending the Milwaukee District West Line beyond Elgin, with stops anticipated in Huntley and Belvidere.
The projected start date for train service is 2027, with an estimated budget of $275 million. Governor Pritzker expressed his enthusiasm for the new service, emphasizing the connectivity it will bring to communities across the state. He also highlighted the positive impact on job creation, economic growth, and the reduction of pollution and traffic congestion.
Metra will collaborate with the Union Pacific Railroad to facilitate this new venture. The project will require upgrades to bridges, improvements to grade crossings, and the addition of double-track service into the existing Metra system. State Senator Steve Stadelman emphasized how significant this development is for Rockford and Belvidere, noting that it will be a game-changer and ignite economic growth across northern Illinois.
Currently, the Milwaukee District West Line serves the northwestern suburbs of Chicago, making various stops before concluding in Elgin. Once the extension is completed, the travel time between Chicago and Rockford is estimated to be approximately two hours. Initially, there are plans for two round-trip journeys per day.
To provide more information about the project, a new website will be launched, offering a comprehensive overview. Additionally, the establishment of operations and maintenance agreements with Metra, Union Pacific, and the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) will be necessary.
The return of passenger rail service to Rockford is highly anticipated and is expected to bring a multitude of benefits to the region. It will enhance connectivity, generate employment opportunities, spur economic growth, and provide a more sustainable transportation option for residents and visitors alike.
This is fantastic news for Rockford! The return of passenger rail service will not only improve transportation options for residents but also boost tourism and economic growth in the area. Exciting times ahead for the Rockford community!