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IL, Feds Okay High-Speed Rail Line Impact Statement

By on November 16, 2012

(AP)  ILLINOIS AND THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT HAVE APPROVED AN ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT STATEMENT FOR THE HIGH-SPEED RAIL LINE UNDER CONSTRUCTION BETWEEN CHICAGO AND ST. LOUIS.

THE REVIEW IS AN IMPORTANT STEP BECAUSE IT IDENTIFIES A ROUTE THROUGH SPRINGFIELD THAT WOULD END A DISPUTE THAT HAD THREATENED TO HOLD UP THE PROJECT.  IT ALSO RECOMMENDS A ROUTE AROUND SOME OF THE CONGESTED TANGLE OF RAIL LINES BETWEEN CHICAGO AND SUBURBAN JOLIET.  UPGRADES TO THAT SUGGESTED CORRIDOR WOULD BE $500 MILLION CHEAPER THAN THE EXISTING ROUTE BECAUSE FEWER OVERPASSES WOULD BE NEEDED.

THE ASSESSMENT ALSO CLEARS THE WAY FOR POSSIBLY BUILDING A DEDICATED LINE IN THE FUTURE SO PASSENGER TRAINS WOULDN’T HAVE TO SHARE TRACK WITH FREIGHT TRAINS.  UPGRADES FOR 110-MPH SERVICE OVER MOST  OF THE LINE SHOULD BE FINISHED BY 2015.