Lincoln Service schedule change as
passenger trains reach 110 mph
Faster speeds, less travel time starts
June 26th
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[June 14, 2023]
Gov.
JB Pritzker and the Illinois Department of Transportation today
announced schedule changes for Amtrak’s Lincoln Service trains,
following the successful implementation of the Chicago-to-St. Louis
high-speed rail project and enabling passenger service to reach 110
mph. Effective June 26, the changes will eliminate approximately 15
minutes from existing 90 mph runtimes and 30 minutes from the
initial 79 mph schedule.
“After many years of construction and testing for a nearly $2
billion investment, I couldn’t be happier to announce that our
transition to 110 mph rail service for the Lincoln Service trains
has been completed,” said Gov. Pritzker. “From saving residents
precious time to improving the reliability and safety of our transit
system, this milestone makes it clear to the rest of the nation that
Illinois is a leader in transportation, infrastructure, and
innovation.”
In addition to increasing speeds, the $1.96 billion project has
boosted reliability and safety while providing upgraded and new
stations.
The project also provided major safety upgrades at
212 grade crossings by installing four-quadrant gates and loop
detectors to help prevent collisions with vehicles on the tracks.
Pedestrian gates and fencing were installed to prevent pedestrian
accidents. Thirty-nine crossings deemed at-risk were permanently
closed.
“The railway has always been a vital component of our state’s
infrastructure, but today we are taking a major step in modernizing
rail services. The new high-speed schedule will allow Illinoisans to
get around faster while still enjoying the comforts of Amtrak,” said
U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin. “Making high-speed rail, and today’s schedule
changes to Lincoln Service trains, happen has long been a priority
of mine. I’m pleased to see the federal grants brought home to
Illinois are making a true impact in the lives, and travel, of the
people of Illinois. I look forward to my first trip on a better,
faster Lincoln Service train.”
“Modernizing our rail services means faster travel
times and access to safer, more reliable service,” said U.S. Sen.
Tammy Duckworth. “The Lincoln Service line is a critical element of
our state’s transportation network, and I’m so pleased to see the
results of critical federal funding to improve the lives and travel
options for Illinoisans.”
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In conjunction with its partner
communities, IDOT opened new stations in Dwight, Pontiac,
Carlinville and Alton, renovated the Lincoln station, improved
the existing Normal station and made upgrades to the Springfield
station. A separate project to build a new multimodal station in
Joliet was completed in 2018, with a second phase starting in
2021. The facilities provide a better customer experience and
amenities, such as free Wi-Fi and connections to bicycle and
pedestrian facilities. The new and improved stations act as
gateways to their communities, inviting tourism and providing
additional travel options for the public.
“With these changes and upgrading to higher-speed service on the
state’s signature passenger rail line, Illinois solidifies its
status as the transportation hub of North America,” said
Illinois Transportation Secretary Omer Osman. “We are proud of
the work with our partners to deliver this improved service,
which strengthens a safe, reliable option for travel while
connecting so many of the state’s major institutions and
communities.”
A final component of the project: The acquisition of new rolling
stock to be used on Lincoln Service trains and other Midwest
routes. Thirty-three new locomotives have been in service since
late 2017. Illinois is also part of a consortium of states
working with the Federal Railroad Administration and California
to procure 88 new single-level railcars for use throughout
Illinois, Missouri, Wisconsin and Michigan. More than 50 of the
cars are currently in revenue service on Amtrak Midwest routes.
Funding for the project includes $1.66 billion in
federal funding, primarily through an American Recovery and
Reinvestment Act grant awarded in 2010, as well as $300 million in
state and non-federal funds. The project broke ground in 2010 with
major infrastructure improvements completed in 2018. From 2019 to
2023, IDOT has worked with project partners the Federal Railroad
Administration, Union Pacific Railroad and Amtrak to install and
test a Positive Train Control system that allows passenger trains to
increase their speed first to 90 mph and now 110 mph.
For additional information on the new schedule or to purchase
tickets, visit amtrak.com/midwest.
[Illinois Office of Communication and
Information]
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