RailTEC at TRB 2025
AREMA Conference 2024
May 29, 2024 – Launch of NURail CoE
RailTEC Graduates Working Around The World

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

In the news

RailTEC Student Spotlight – Jose Augusto Venancio Da Silva Ramos

The RailTEC program at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign has placed Jose Augusto Venancio Da Silva Ramos on the right track for a career in the rail industry.  Prior to graduating last month with a master’s degree in civil engineering from Illinois, Ramos earned his bachelor’s degree in civil engineering in 2019 from the Federal... Read More

RailTEC at TRB 2025

Despite the winter weather, RailTEC faculty, staff, students and alumni had a good showing in the rail section at the 104th Annual Transportation Research Board (TRB) meeting in Washington, D.C. on 5-9 January 2025. In total there were over 45 separate references, including 25 authors, 16 Committee Members, 3 session chairs and 2 committee meeting... Read More

Fall 2024 Hay Seminar Series

The University of Illinois Rail Transportation and Engineering Center (RailTEC) and the National University Rail Center of Excellence (NURail CoE) sponsored six William W. Hay Railroad Engineering Seminars throughout the Fall 2024 semester.  Over 750 students, faculty and industry professionals (both in person and online) attended and participants were worldwide. The initial presentation of the... 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.