Frequently Asked Questions

Intercity passenger rail service travels between cities and has fewer stops than traditional commuter service. IDOT supports existing service for four intercity passenger rail corridors within Illinois and continues to pursue opportunities to further improve the existing corridors as well as develop new corridors.

• 1974-1981: Amtrak operated service on the route named "Blackhawk." Service ended in 1981 due to a decrease in funding and motor vehicles becoming the transportation mode of choice. 
• 2007: Amtrak conducted a feasibility study to reinstate service.
• 2010-2014: IDOT continued to study options and routes for adding service.
• 2015: Program put on hold.
• 2019: Governor Pritzker announced the Rebuild Illinois Capital Plan that included $275 million for Chicago to Rockford Intercity Passenger Rail.
• 2019-2020: IDOT reinitiates the Chicago to Rockford Intercity Passenger Rail Program.

Passenger rail service is anticipated to begin by the end of 2027. This timeline may be adjusted as negotiations with the host railroads on the construction and maintenance agreements, preliminary engineering and environmental clearances are advanced.

The re-establishment of rail service between Chicago and Rockford has been long-awaited. Rail service will provide a safe and reliable transportation mode to communities across northern Illinois. Project benefits include but are not limited to economic growth, enhanced quality of life, improved air quality, and time and cost savings.

Governor JB Pritzker announced a monumental partnership between IDOT and Metra to provide safe and reliable service between Chicago and Rockford. 

Metra is one of the largest and most complex rail networks in North America. The Chicago to Rockford passenger service will use railroad lines, trains and stations already part of this vast network. Metra is also a regional, public entity with established partnerships in their service area. Their commitment to safe, reliable and affordable transportation make them the right operator for Chicago to Rockford passenger service. 

• Track improvements to support increasing speeds from existing freight operations (40 mph or slower) to passenger rail operations (up to a maximum of 79 mph).
• Construction of a connection between Metra and Union Pacific tracks at Big Timber.
• Station improvements at Elgin Station (intercity passenger rail service likely to use Chicago St. station).
• New control point with universal crossovers at Bartlett. 
• Enhance grade crossing surfaces, highway approaches, and warning devices.
• Evaluate bridge conditions as needed.
• Proposed siding near Marengo. 

Intermediate stops along the Chicago to Rockford intercity passenger rail are planned in Elgin, Huntley and Belvidere. The project team is evaluating station locations to determine where exactly trains will board passengers. 

This route will not be considered a high-speed rail route. The infrastructure improvements planned for the Chicago to Rockford corridor will include enhancements to track, structures, signals, and at-grade crossings to allow for passenger operations traveling at maximum speeds of up to 79 mph.

While the equipment fleet may be capable of traveling at higher speeds, substantial infrastructure improvements, similar to the Chicago to St. Louis rail, would be required for passenger rail operations over 79 mph. 

With infrastructure improvements, two round trips per day are planned and travel time of approximately two hours. 

Yes, the service will be ADA accessible, providing another mode of transportation for the ADA community.

Program updates and major milestones will be shared with the public primarily through the program website. Click here to view recent updates. Additionally, other methods such as newsletters, public meetings, press releases, and project update e-mails will be used.

It is a priority of this program to ensure that all stakeholders have the opportunity to participate and share their comments or concerns. Public meetings will be held to facilitate feedback from the communities and create awareness of the project.

State of Illinois public health and safety guidelines will be followed for public meetings. Due to the limitations of the pandemic, virtual alternatives to in-person meetings and events will take place when required.

Click here to learn more about the public involvement activities planned for this project.

In 2019, Governor Pritzker announced the $45 billion capital plan “Rebuild Illinois” that allocated $275 million for Chicago to Rockford Intercity Passenger Rail Program.

Various improvements are needed across the entire corridor. Planned improvements include upgrades to the existing tracks, construction of new track between Metra and Union Pacific, grade crossing improvements, and other project elements required to make the service a safe and reliable transportation mode.