Different Routes to Get Rail Back to Northern Illinois

State and local officials are coming out in support of choosing a plan to bring passenger rail service back to Northern Illinois.

Last month, Amtrak and IDOT officials announced the results of a feasibility study which narrowed the options down to three. Now it's up to local leaders to reach a consensus, but it seems they have different ideas about how to do it.

The old Black Hawk line that provided Amtrak service until 1981, runs from Chicago through Genoa and Rockford to Dubuque, Iowa. It is one of three options Amtrak has outlined, which officials say would be the cheapest to upgrade, get the most riders, and provide the fastest service. The other two routes would use Metra tracks from Chicago to Elgin.

While some local leaders say the old Black Hawk line is the best option, one county board member says it would be more viable to pick a line that in the future could be used by both Amtrak and Metra.
 

"I think it's worth looking at if we can pick one route that may cost a little bit more now but will be ready to go, rather than spending a lot now and coming back later and trying to get more money from them again," said Winnebago County Board Member Phillip Johnson.

The route Johnson is trying to rally support around would run through Belvidere and Rockford on Metra tracks. He said with that line you get a better bang for your buck.
 

"They're estimating that the straight Amtrak route would cost $23 million. Now the one that would go further north would cost $31 million, and I think for the small amount of money difference we would then have a route both of them can use," said Johnson.

Meanwhile, State Representative Chuck Jefferson is trying to pass legislation that would allow the Rockford Airport Authority to also become a Railroad Authority.

Jefferson said, "They would become a dual committee, if you would, to make sure that they're addressing all the rail questions and concerns."

Jefferson says he will stand behind whichever route the city and county supports, and but says the main focus right now should be to come to a unified decision.

Johnson would like to see County Board Chairman Scott Christensen call a meeting of all interested parties to decide on one route that can be used by Amtrak and commuter rail service. IDOT is expected to hold a meeting later this month to announce a decision.