Thursday June 2, 2011 – Illinois Governor Pat Quinn announced a partnership between the University of Illinois, the Illinois Department of Transportation to study the feasibility of 220-mph passenger rail service in Illinois. The study will complement the ongoing construction of a regional 110-mph network that will connect Chicago to 40 cities in the Midwest, while supporting Governor Quinn’s vision to create jobs, enhance regional mobility and improve the environment by expanding passenger rail in Illinois. “Illinois is leading the nation with our work to expand high-speed and passenger rail,” said Governor Quinn. “This study will provide greater insight into how we can make 220-mph rail service a reality. An expanded and improved rail network will boost our position in the global economy and create thousands of jobs.” The study will explore the potential costs and benefits of establishing 220-mph service between O’Hare International Airport, downtown Chicago, McCormick Place, and Champaign-Urbana and will also look at extending the corridor in the region to cities south of Champaign-Urbana, including St. Louis and Indianapolis.
