The case for trains usually comes down to economic and environmental arguments. And those are important! But in the end, it’s all about people—making our lives better, our families stronger, and our communities more connected. Will you help build a stronger case for...
Illinois High Speed Railway Commission Gets Work Started
Changing the Conversation
The Illinois High Speed Rail Commission has begun initial design work for a high-speed line linking St, Louis and Chicago. The work will follow the rules of Step 2 of the federal Corridor ID program, even though it isn’t part of the program – yet.
This is an exciting opportunity to change the conversation about great, electrified trains in a region so critical to building Congressional support.
The study will look at options for true high-speed rail
In the new Illinois study, the engineering firm will examine a variety of options. These fall into three main categories: existing railroad rights-of-way, existing highway rights-of-way, and greenfield alignments (which essentially means starting fresh). However, not all of these options can yield the Alliance’s long-term goal for this corridor: an end-to-end trip time between Chicago and St. Louis of two hours or less.
The study provides a chance for the public to weigh in and say that only high-speed rail will do. This means building an electrified line, with no grade crossings, that allows speeds of 186 mph or faster, and achieves a trip time fast enough for real advantages and appeal.
This is the leading edge of something bigger—for the region and the country
Chicago and St. Louis are important cities—but they’re hardly the only ones in the middle of the country that deserve high-speed trains.
Building this high-speed line will demonstrate the benefits for the whole Midwest and beyond. High-speed trains from Chicago to St. Louis will show the need for high-speed trains from Chicago to the Twin Cities, to Detroit, to Indianapolis, and from there to more and more cities and communities.
High-speed rail in the Midwest is also critical for a nationwide system. So far, the only high-speed lines under construction are in California and Nevada. Other projects are in development in the Pacific Northwest, the South, and the East. Until now, the Midwest has been a conspicuous exception. If this Illinois effort to build high-speed rail succeeds, Chicago can anchor a modernized nationwide network.
The study will make it easier for elected leaders to act
The Commission’s study will look at various options for running fast trains between Chicago and St. Louis. That’s very important, but the study has another dimension. It will also lay out an institutional path.
The engineering firm contracted to do the study, Quandel Consultants, has identified work that has to be done on two parallel tracks.
The first track is the technical study. This includes things like developing a Purpose & Need statement that helps to ensure the work is compatible with state statute and existing transportation plans. Quandel will also conduct an analysis of route and service options, as well as a cost-benefit analysis.
The second track is to solicit public input to inform what the study eventually recommends. This will happen through virtual public meetings, a statewide survey, and community events.
If elected leaders choose to act on the Commission recommends, including public engagement early will make implementation easier.
Public input and engagement are critical
Other studies of potential high-speed lines have been done Midwestern states in the past, but none have moved to the public engagement phase.
With this narrow focus and a lack of broad public engagement, it’s no coincidence that high-speed rail has not moved forward in the Midwest. Without extensive public knowledge of the process and involvement in it, not nearly enough political interest or support ever emerged.
The fact that the new study plans for greater public involvement from the get-go represents major progress. It also means we have a huge opportunity. Essentially, conducting the study gives an opportunity to talk about the benefits that high-speed trains can bring, to get people interested and excited, and to bring elected officials and other community leaders on board.
You can learn more about the study and its parameters from the Tech Support Presentation shared at the Commission’s August 26, 2024 meeting, which is posted (along with other Commission documents) here.
Illinois is investing its own funds
The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law created a new U.S. DOT program called Corridor ID. Run by the Federal Railroad Administration, Corridor ID made its first round of grants in December 2023. The program gave 69 projects in 44 states $500,000 apiece to fund initial planning work for new or improved service.
That’s great, and there will be more opportunities to apply for Corridor ID funding. Illinois, however, has not yet sought Corridor ID funding for Chicago-St. Louis high-speed rail. Instead, the state applied for, and received, a Corridor ID grant to continue work on the shared-use Union Pacific line.
In addition, the state is investing $2.6 million from IDOT’s budget to begin this high-speed rail study. This shows commitment and is a very promising sign.
The high-speed rail study will follow the FRA’s procedures
Though Illinois has not yet sought federal funding for this high-speed rail study, it can in the future. The study aims to give Illinois the option of entering the Corridor ID process and seeking funds at a more advanced stage. For example, Illinois could seek federal support for the creation of a Service Development Plan (which lays out alternatives in terms of routes, speeds, frequencies, station locations, etc.), or for the environmental and engineering reviews required for the project to move to construction.
Essentially, the study will follow the FRA’s rules for Step 2, to give the option of seeking federal investment at a more advanced stage, and to improve the odds of getting it.
Again, public input and engagement are critical
Possibilities under consideration include options for exactly where high-speed trains will originate and arrive in the Chicago area. The Alliance supports service that provides a one-seat ride anywhere on the line to and from the Chicago Loop and O’Hare.
The study will also provide important opportunities to discuss which communities between Chicago and St. Louis the new trains will serve.
If you want to shape these decisions, make sure you are on the Alliance mailing list. Look for the “Subscribe to our newsletter” option near the bottom of most Alliance web pages. As the study moves forward, we will give you opportunities to raise your voice.
This study shows the Alliance strategy at work
The Alliance directly helped with the creation of the Illinois High-Speed Rail Commission in 2021, and our executive director serves as a commissioner.
Now, that work is paying off. Launching a public study of the options for high-speed trains linking Chicago and St. Louis creates an opportunity to build advocacy power that ensures the study goes well and that the line gets built.
If you want to be part of this work, please join the Alliance or make an additional donation today!
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