FRA Adminstrator Fink Tours RAIL Research Lab
RailTEC Graduates Working Around The World

Welcome to the University of Illinois Rail Transportation and Engineering Center (RailTEC)

In the news

INNOVARail Conference Recap

RailTEC was honored to be the host institution for the inaugural INNOVARail 2026 conference, a new multidisciplinary conference dedicated to rail research, technology, and development. It was held 26-28 May at the iHotel and Conference Center on the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign campus. Over 200 attendees had the opportunity to hear 117 different topics presented... Read More

RailTEC Student Spotlight – Jose Gustavo Ramos

Jose Gustavo Ramos’ studies have led him far from his home in Brazil, but he plans to return to Brazil after completing his doctorate to apply his knowledge and research through teaching. He studied civil engineering in Brazil, specializing in transportation engineering, and received both his undergraduate and masters degree from the Federal University of... Read More

Barkan Receives 2026 Worth Award for Lifetime Achievement

Dr. Christopher P.L. Barkan, Professor, George Krambles Director of RailTEC and Director of the National University Rail Center of Excellence (NURail CoE), was recently named the recipient of the 2026 Worth Award for Lifetime Achievement.  The award, presented at the 31st Annual Wheel/Rail Interaction (WRI) Heavy Haul Conference in Dallas, TX on 22-24 April 2026... Read More

What we do

Education

RailTEC inspires and engages students by offering the most extensive curriculum in railway engineering and transportation in North America. We offer multiple courses on rail topics and are committed to placing our graduates in rewarding public and private sector positions.  RailTEC also supports continuing education of rail professionals through seminars, short courses and conferences.

Research

RailTEC is a global leader in practical and theoretical research advancing the field in a broad range of important and timely railroad and rail transit engineering and transportation topics. Advanced research investigations are underway in railway safety, systems, and infrastructure, addressing dozens of topics that are essential to maintaining the safety, efficiency, reliability, sustainability and resiliency of railroad freight and passenger transportation.

Service

RailTEC shares its expertise with industry, government, academia, and the public helping to interpret and apply knowledge and implement solutions to advance rail transport and engineering. Our faculty and staff are well engaged as leaders and members of AREMA, TRB, AAR, ASCE, INFORMS, and IAROR committees.