Prairie State Wire

Governor JB Pritzker announced a partnership between the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) and Metra to restore passenger rail service between Chicago and Rockford. This service, which was discontinued in 1981, is expected to resume by late 2027. The project is funded through $275 million from the Rebuild Illinois capital program.

"With this new service, we're connecting more communities and creating greater opportunities for people across the state line region," said Governor JB Pritzker. He emphasized the benefits such as job creation, economic growth, and reduced pollution.

Lt. Governor Juliana Stratton stated that restoring rail service will support local economies and provide reliable transportation: "When we are connected, we go further together."

Metra plans to extend its Milwaukee District West line beyond Elgin to reach Rockford with stops in Huntley and Belvidere. Improvements include upgraded grade crossings, bridges, double-tracking at various locations, and new stations in Huntley and Belvidere.

The anticipated travel time between Chicago and Rockford is slightly less than two hours with two round trips per day planned. Details about boarding locations, fare structure, and schedule are yet to be determined.

Pending Metra board approval, agreements among IDOT, Metra, and Union Pacific will follow along with engineering studies for track improvements necessary for increased speeds up to 79 mph between Elgin and Rockford.

"This will be a game-changer for Rockford and Belvidere," said State Senator Steve Stadelman. State Rep. Maurice West highlighted economic opportunities for residents without cars: "This Metra line will attract more visitors to our city."

State Rep. Dave Vella expressed appreciation for advocacy efforts leading to this development: "By better connecting Rockford...to Chicago...this project is going...to generate more interest in our community."

Rockford Mayor Tom McNamara praised the project's progress: "I'm proud that this rail project is on track...due largely due [sic] Gov. Pritzker's...advocacy."

Metra CEO Jim Derwinski remarked on expanding outside their traditional area: "We know how operate passenger trains - we've been doing it nearly 40 years..."

Union Pacific Chairman Lance Fritz commented on public-private collaboration benefits: "...project underscores opportunities exist when public private sector work together."

Robert W Guy from SMART-Transportation Division noted broader impacts including alleviating highway congestion while advocating continued passenger rail momentum statewide.

Brian Shanahan of Transportation Communications Union/IAM thanked Governor Pritzker stating restored services would help grow one largest cities' economy providing access countless jobs opportunities.

Illinois Transportation Secretary Omer Osman highlighted Rebuild Illinois making connections enhancing multimodal systems reinforcing state's role North America's transportation hub since founding '84 becoming comprehensive systems globally nearly tracks stations routes across modes including roads bridges transit waterways freight aviation bicycle pedestrian accommodations under capital program history investing billion expanding improving statewide operations modernizing northeastern CREATE safety reliability Saluki Quad Cities celebrating high-speed St Louis breaking ground delivered leadership projects completing six-year plan promoting growth