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Additional passenger rail in Illinois

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  • Member since
    June 2009
  • From: Dallas, TX
  • 6,952 posts
Posted by CMStPnP on Wednesday, April 5, 2023 9:11 PM

Overmod
What are the specific IIS concerns with the proposed Quad Cities extension (from the turn at Wyanet to Moline)?  I have known Henry Posner for nearly 50 years, and if he has concerns they're very likely legitimate.

Here you go, in the link below.   He wants $750 million to upgrade 55 miles of rail.

https://www.ourquadcities.com/news/local-news/amtrak-idot-hope-to-help-resolve-rail-impasse/

 

  • Member since
    June 2009
  • From: Dallas, TX
  • 6,952 posts
Posted by CMStPnP on Wednesday, April 5, 2023 9:07 PM

CSSHEGEWISCH

Rockford is only 90 miles from the Loop and suburban sprawl is edging its way in that direction.  It would not be unreasonable for Metra to operate that line as an extension of an existing line.

Wasn't the original plan to go to Eastern Iowa with this train?

  • Member since
    March 2016
  • From: Burbank IL (near Clearing)
  • 13,540 posts
Posted by CSSHEGEWISCH on Wednesday, April 5, 2023 10:03 AM

Rockford is only 90 miles from the Loop and suburban sprawl is edging its way in that direction.  It would not be unreasonable for Metra to operate that line as an extension of an existing line.

The daily commute is part of everyday life but I get two rides a day out of it. Paul
  • Member since
    September 2003
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Posted by Overmod on Tuesday, April 4, 2023 5:50 PM

What are the specific IIS concerns with the proposed Quad Cities extension (from the turn at Wyanet to Moline)?  I have known Henry Posner for nearly 50 years, and if he has concerns they're very likely legitimate.

I don't understand why Metra and not Amtrak Illinois would be the operator of this train.  It's a LOT further to get there, and METRA service is already pretty slow for the existing connections.  Would the Amtrak bus service be eliminated if METRA runs parallel service?

  • Member since
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Additional passenger rail in Illinois
Posted by charlie hebdo on Tuesday, April 4, 2023 3:54 PM

"On the Quad Cities route, negotiations between the Iowa Interstate Railroad and the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) seem to be at an impasse. The letter asks the governor to direct IDOT to engage Amtrak to negotiate with the railroad and take action at the Surface Transportation Board, if needed.

On the Rockford route, a decision needs to be made regarding whether Amtrak or Metra will operate the trains. The letter asks the governor to direct IDOT to announce that decision quickly and move forward with final engineering."

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