A Metra train sits on tracks spanning the Rock River near Davis Park on Thursday, July 6, 2023, for an announcement about passenger rail returning to Rockford for the first time since 1981. (Photo by Kevin Haas/Rock River Current)By Kevin Haas
Rock River Current
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ROCKFORD — Passenger rail service is set to return to the city for the first time in more than 40 years.
Gov. JB Pritzker visited Davis Park in downtown on Thursday to announce a partnership between the Illinois Department of Transportation and Metra to connect passenger rail between Chicago and Rockford. The first trains are expected to start running in late 2027 with expected stops in Huntley and Belvidere.
“This will be a game-changer for Rockford and Belvidere,” said state Sen. Steve Stadelman, a Democrat from Loves Park. “Restoring passenger rail service to Chicago has been one of my priorities and will spur economic development across northern Illinois. Selection of Metra as the operator is an important step in passenger rail becoming a reality again, making the Rockford region a more attractive place to work and live.”
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The project is funded through $275 million the state’s Rebuild Illinois capital program.
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Rail service was discontinued in Rockford in 1981, and bringing the service back has been years in the making.
“With this new service, we’re connecting more communities and creating greater opportunities for people across the state line region,” Pritzker said. “From the hundreds of construction and engineering jobs created by our planned rail improvements to the increased economic growth that comes with heightened connectivity, all the way to the long-lasting reduction in pollution and traffic congestion that will stem from more efficient rail alternatives to driving, the new Rockford Intercity Passenger Rail service will have positive impacts that will strengthen northern Illinois for years to come.”
This is a developing story and will be updated with more information. Check back later for more.
This article is by Kevin Haas. Email him at khaas@rockrivercurrent.com or follow him on Twitter at @KevinMHaas or Instagram @thekevinhaas
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July 6, 2023 at 10:31AM
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