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Alton breaks ground on new Multi-Modal Center

Federal, state, and local officials broke ground on the new Alton Regional Multi-Modal Transportation Center along Homer Adams Parkway. Representatives from the local business community, labor organizations, and community groups witnessed the celebration. Speaking about the new 9,000 square foot Alton Regional Multi-Modal Transportation Center, Alton Mayor Brant Walker stated, “This new facility will be … Continued

Public meeting set for next week on next step for CHI-STL Rail Corridor

The Illinois Department of Transportation is holding public meetings next week regarding the next step on the Chicago – St. Louis Corridor.    IDOT is currently reconstructing the tracks between Joliet and Granite City to increase cruising speeds from 80 to 110 mph.  That work is already paying dividends with much improved service. Now, they are … Continued

High-speed Rail Hubs Attracting Development to Urban Centers

High-speed rail (HSR) has long been touted as a tool of economic development in addition to its primary function of improving connectivity and ease of travel. It now seems that high-speed rail also has the potential to contribute to the nation’s urban revitalization trends. Because HSR and other rail hubs are often located in urban … Continued

China Embarks on Longest High Speed Rail Line

This past Wednesday, China initiated service on “the world’s longest high-speed rail line,” which runs between Beijing and Guangzhou (approximately the distance between New York and Key West, FL).  This now eight hour trip, will move passengers at 300 km, or 186 mph, compared to older trains still in use which take 21 hours for … Continued

Higher Speed Rail Service Begins

This past Friday, higher speed rail service of 110 mph began on a segment between St. Louis and Chicago.  Illinois Governor Pat Quinn, Illinois Transportation Secretary Ann L. Schneider and Amtrak officials announced that 110 mph rail service has started on a 15-mile segment along the Chicago-St. Louis corridor just in time for this past … Continued

“Tapping Into Transit” Event Draws a Crowd

Last night’s first “Tapping Into Transit” event highlighting High Speed Rail in the Midwest  proved to be a enlightening way to build the conversation surrounding expanded and enhanced public transportation in the region.  More than 60 community members, local stakeholders, students, professionals, and Mayor Francis Slay gathered at the Sheraton Hotel to hear from Rick … Continued

Amtrak Sets Passenger Record on Chicago-St. Louis Route

  Amtrak Ridership Up and MetroBikeLink Extension Opening There was an 11% increase in passengers who used the Lincoln Service train between St. Louis and Chicago in this past fiscal year, setting a record for the route!  That equates to over 675,000 passengers over the course of the year.  Passenger numbers also increased on the … Continued

The Future of High Speed Rail in the Midwest

Dr. Tsung-Chung Kao, a professor and scholar from the Railroad Transportation & Engineering Center at the University of Illinois-Urbana Champaign visited St. Louis this week and gave a highly enlightening glimpse into what High Speed Rail (HSR) in the United States-more specifically the Midwest region-would look like. Drawing from his experience in his home country … Continued

Resurgence of the Train Station in America

Cities all across the U.S. have big plans for their individual train stations.  So many of the rail depots across the country have rich history that is coming back to life with plans to revamp their existing structures.  Union Stations in such cities as Denver, Los Angeles, St. Paul, Charlotte, Washington, D.C. (as mentioned in … Continued

Possible High Speed Line Would Extend California Bullet Train to Las Vegas

A Nevada-based group is looking to create an extension to the California bullet train that would stretch the Golden State’s rail network all the way to Las Vegas. The current $68 billion California-only line is overseen by the government’s High Speed Rail Authority, but the 200-mile Vegas line, XpressWest, would be supported by a group … Continued

Amtrak $7 billion renovation project for DC’s Union Station

Today Amtrak announced a $7 billion project for a major renovation to DC’s Union Station with the goal of tripling the passenger capacity of the busy rail station in the heart of the nation’s capital.  A central part of the announcement is Burnham Place, the large mixed use real estate project set to begin over the tracks … Continued

Contractor opportunities available on IL high speed rail project

Construction is underway on the high speed rail extension between Chicago and St. Louis.  IDOT and Union Pacific are about to open the TIER 2 Bid Package for contractors.  Business opportunities with the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) and the Union Pacific Railroad (UPRR) go through a bidding process. The bidding process for both organizations … Continued

WTS Hosts Chicago to St. Louis High Speed Rail Program Lunch

Women’s Transportation Seminar (WTS) will be hosting a luncheon  on the topic of the Chicago to St. Louis High Speed Rail Program this coming Thursday, May 3.  Phil Pasterak, PE, from Parsons Brinckerhoff, will speak at the lunch meeting to be held at MoDOT’s Transportation Management Center at 11:15 a.m. (14302 S. Outer Forty Rd, … Continued


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