Building a New Approach to Chicago
The Chicago Hub Improvement Program (CHIP) is a group of projects designed to improve Chicago Union Station and the paths trains use to get to it.
Amtrak, Chicago, Cook County, and the State of Illinois have partnered to apply for funds through the Federal-State Partnership for Intercity Passenger Rail Program to take the next steps on these projects.
Moving CHIP forward is an essential step towards fast, frequent, and affordable trains in much of the country.
Fixing Union Station should be a top priority!
Ask the Federal Railroad Administration to fund the Chicago Hub Improvement Program!
National Impact
Today, Chicago Union Station offers direct service to 375 cities and towns in 36 states.
In 2019, more than 15 million passengers boarded Amtrak or Metra trains at the station, making it busier than Midway Airport.
Expanding the station is essential to add more trains to more places.
Urgent Need for Expansion
The potential for rapid growth exists. In fact, the Federal Railroad Administration has created a vision for high-speed trains leaving Union Station hourly to hundreds of cities across the region.
However:
- Space constraints and safety issues in the station are limiting its ability to grow
- The routes Amtrak uses to reach the station are constrained by heavy freight traffic.
- Limited through capacity blocks Metra’s ability to reinvent its services for the post-COVID travel market.
CHIP projects in the current grant request
Chicago Union Station
Amtrak proposal:
Expand two platforms; Improve ventilation; Concourse improvements
Grant Request:
Final Design
St. Charles Air Line
Amtrak proposal:
Build a direct connection to Lakefront Line
Grant Request:
Final Design
South Branch Viaduct
Amtrak proposal:
Probable replacement
Grant Request:
Preliminary engineering, NEPA, and final design
New Maintenance Facility
Amtrak proposal:
Build new shops near Chinatown
Grant Request:
Preliminary engineering, property acquisition, final design
Next Steps
The grant applications are due in mid-December. The Federal Railroad Administration has not posted a timeline for grant selections. You can help by asking the Federal Railroad Administration to award the grants.
