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Like the gleam on the tracks from an oncoming locomotive, high-speed rail (HSR) transportation in Illinois may be finally coming into sight. Since the 1990s, there have been multiple proposals to improve the rail links from Chicago to major destinations in the Midwest. The current administration in Washington has promised to make HSR its legacy (much like the Interstate Highway System was for President Eisenhower) and in doing so, allocated $8 billion dollars in Federal Stimulus funds for rail projects.
In January 2010, the State of Illinois was awarded $1.13 billion for high speed rail construction projects aimed at reducing congestion at railways and conducting an environmental impact study for future improvements.
In the short term, this service will have trains operating on the existing tracks at 110 mph from St. Louis to Dwight and trains operating at 79 miles per hour from Dwight to Chicago. When the corridor is completed, travelers will be able to move from Chicago to St. Louis in under four hours.
The long-term prospects for HSR in Illinois are even brighter. On June 28, 2010, the Illinois Department of Transportation announced a call for proposals for Phase 1 Engineering for the Environmental Impact Statement and Final Engineering for the Chicago to St. Louis Corridor.
Ultimately, HSR plans in Illinois call for investing in “true HSR” - trains operating at speeds to 220 mph – that would slash trip times. For example, the Chicago-to-St. Louis route could be completed in under two hours, compared to the current five-and-a-half hours.
HSR is coming soon to Illinois. Robinson Engineering is keeping abreast of this ever-evolving landscape, and will be there should any of our clients have questions or concerns about the impacts it may have on their way of life.
For further information contact Jon Zabrocki, PE, LEED AP, CFM at 877-256-9051 Or email at jzabrocki@reltd.com
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