The railroad planned to route between Chicago and Moline has been taken one step further.
The Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) announced Monday, August 4, 2014 that the Iowa Interstate Railroad has agreed to start design work for a portion of the route for a new passenger rail service between Chicago and Moline.
Also moving forward with the plans, IDOT is planning to start improvements on the Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railway portion of the route.
“This agreement is another significant milestone in re-establishing passenger service between two great Illinois cities,” said Acting Illinois transportation Secretary Erica Borggren. “I would like to thank the Iowa Interstate Railroad, as well as the BNSF, for working with us to provide another travel option and improve the quality of life in so many communities along this line.”
In addition, the agreement allows the Iowa interstate Railroad to start designing the signal system and plan the execution of the track and tie improvements that allow passenger trains on the 53 miles between Wyanet and Moline.
After these preparations are made, IDOT will make a construction timeline and set a start date for service along the Chicago to Moline train route.