Lincoln Station Renovation Named “Project of the Year”

[May 12, 2018] 

LINCOLN 

The Illinois Department of Transportation announced today that the Illinois chapter of the American Public Works Association has recognized the renovation of the historic passenger rail depot in Lincoln as its “Project of the Year.”

“Projects that preserve history and provide modern service and safety improvements always stand out – and the Lincoln station did just that,” said Illinois Transportation Secretary Randy Blankenhorn. “We are pleased to receive this award, but even more proud of the partnerships we built with the City of Lincoln, Amtrak and all other stakeholders to make their vision into reality.”

The $4 million project restored the station to passenger use after it was closed in 1972. As part of the larger IDOT effort to increase passenger speeds and reliability on the Chicago-to-St. Louis line, the project consisted of a full renovation of the depot building, including a new boarding platform and upgraded amenities, such as free Wi-Fi and parking for both vehicles and bikes.

The renovation focused on maintaining the building’s long history and preserving artifacts from the station’s inception in 1911. The remodeled facility showcases restored windows, doors and the original ticket counter with a scale once used to weigh luggage.

After the completion of the renovation, the property was turned over to the city of Lincoln, who in turn has rented it to the Logan County Tourism Bureau. The bureau board has formed a committee to address furnishing the building and making it a new 'destination location' in Logan County. The end goal will be to create a visitors center and tourism bureau that will highlight all the tourist attractions throughout the county.

[Illinois Department of Transportation/LDN]