Let's Put Illinois on the Fast Track You can help connect the state with great trains. Email Your Legislators Today!The Time for Action is Now Tell Springfield you want better trains today. Right now the Illinois General Assembly is having a debate on how...
Illinois Capital Projects
A stronger, more connected future starts with real investment in rail infrastructure. Let’s start building it now.
Dozens of projects comprising hundreds of capital improvements in Illinois need dedicated funding driven by a strategic, unified vision.
Bold investment in revitalizing and improving rail infrastructure statewide today will power decades of economic growth, connecting communities, creating jobs, and driving prosperity for generations
Send us a message if you have comments, questions, or a project to discuss.
Needed Investments
Just one high-speed rail line moves as many people as a 10-lane highway. Investing in fast trains deserves the same priority we give to funding roads. Modern rail projects create jobs, connect communities, and set the stage for long-term growth.
New Bridges
Metra needs $280 million per year to replace or repair out-of-date bridges.
More and Better Track
Slow zones need to be removed and a second or third mainline track will be required in many cases.
Safer Crossings
A win for the railroads, for communities, and drivers alike. A bridge is the safest.
Trainsets
Metra’s trains are very old and Amtrak’s fleet is too small to add service.
Updated Stations
Many stations will need to be upgraded and connections to local transit need to be enhanced.
Electrification
Electric trains are more efficient, accelerate faster, and are cleaner.
Critical Chicago-Area Projects
Five key projects are essential to move fast, modern trains to and through Chicago. These improvements will have a huge impact on rail service across the state and beyond.
South of the Lake
We need a passenger dedicated line to funnel trains from multiple corridors into Chicago.
Corridors in Illinois
Many existing rail corridors stand ready for transformative investment and upgrades. Dozens more hold untapped potential, ready to spark economic growth and connect communities across the state. Check back for future corridor pages.
High-Speed Backbone
New high-speed lines will offer speed and frequency to transform travel.
CrossRail Chicago
A vision for a electrified, passenger-dedicated trunkline to and through Chicago.
UP North Corridor
Chicago – Kenosha – (Racine) – (Milwaukee)
Milwaukee District North Corridor
Chicago – Fox Lake / Milwaukee
UP Northwest Corridor
Chicago – Barrington – Harvard – (Janesville) – (Madison)
North Central Corridor
Chicago – O’Hare – Antioch
Milwaukee District West Corridor
Chicago – Elgin – (Rockford) – (Galena) – (Dubuque)
UP West Corridor
Chicago – West Chicago – Elburn – (Dekalb)
BNSF Corridor
Chicago – Aurora – Galesburg – Quincy – (Hannibal)
Rock Island Corridor
Chicago – Joliet – (Starved Rock) – (Peoria) – (Quad Cities)
Lincoln Heritage Corridor
Chicago – Normal – Springfield – St. Louis
Metra SouthWest Service
Chicago – Orland Park – Manhattan
Illinois Central Corridor
Chicago – Kankakee – Champaign – (Decatur) – Carbondale – Memphis
South Shore Corridor
Chicago – Michigan City – South Bend / (Dyer)
I-74 Corridor
Cedar Rapids – Quad Cities – Galesburg – Peoria – Champaign – Danville – Indianapolis
What Needs to Happen to Bring Great Trains to Illinois?
Train riders, community leaders, and engaged advocates need to persuade Springfield to:
- Treat transit as a statewide issue
- Fund new bridges, better track, and high-performance trains
- Help communities build walkable, enjoyable communities around railway stations
- Expand the Bureau of Railroads to effectively manage the program
Here’s how you can help
Sign the Petition
Ask Springfield to create a statewide railway program, guided by an integrated plan.
See progress in Springfield
Multiple bills have been introduced to support an integrated railway program. Learn more here.
Become a member
Join thousands of advocates across the state working to make fast trains a reality.
Get Involved
The Illinois General Assembly is debating the future transit and regional rail right now. The package should include a State Railway Program to invest in bridges, trainsets, and better track.
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