This line will be part of the restored "Black Hawk" service with stops in Chicago, South Elgin, Genoa, Rockford, Freeport, Galena and Dubuque. This site has a Google Map route map and other info - http://members.trainorders.com/dr04/BlackHawk/
Presumably the plan is to use the new corridor bi-level cars. However, if the route starts up in 2014 when the bi-levels have just started to be delivered, the service will probably start with whatever Amtrak has available, likely Horizons or Amfleets.
The Chicago to Rockford corridor is indeed being funded by Illinois. May be some federal funding mixed in, but it is mostly state funding AFAIK.
But will it use one of the Metra line tracks to get out of Chicago and will it make any stops at current Metra stations aside from CUS.
No, it will use the Canadian National/ former IC route. There's no commuter service on this line.
Dubuque was awarded 8 million in October to build a new intermodal transit center on the site of their old station. So there will be a nice station waiting for passengers when this route starts up.
My, we're optimistic about that project timetable, aren't we?
Or maybe they are padding the project schedule, so that no matter what, for the rest of their careers, they can never be accused of being behind schedule. Hey, we said by 2104, right? :lol:My, we're optimistic about that project timetable, aren't we?
So will there be a big uproar if the timetable slips to 2106?Or maybe they are padding the project schedule, so that no matter what, for the rest of their careers, they can never be accused of being behind schedule. Hey, we said by 2104, right? :lol:My, we're optimistic about that project timetable, aren't we?
There will be a major conflagration at AU with a sight shutdown for a day in protestSo will there be a big uproar if the timetable slips to 2106?Or maybe they are padding the project schedule, so that no matter what, for the rest of their careers, they can never be accused of being behind schedule. Hey, we said by 2104, right? :lol:My, we're optimistic about that project timetable, aren't we?
Five hours from Chicago to Dubuque? Ouch. I've done that drive and even if you go the long way via Savanna it's 3 1/2 hours. The direct way via Rockford and US-20 it's more like 3:20. The Chicago-Moline time seems much more reasonable. Is this solely a function of the better track conditions on the BNSF?
The sections with 110 mph speeds will require grade crossing and signal upgrades. There are a lot of grade crossings on the route which are to be upgraded with quad gates, vehicle detection systems, fencing which have to be in place before they run at higher speeds. The signal system has to be in place as well, checked out and approved for up to 110 mph operation. Expect there is more track work to be done, including to the passing sidings. The Dwight to Pontiac section is just the teaser which they must have decided to move up the schedule and get the work completed for the PR aspects of achieving 110 mph speeds for a short run. The completion date for the Dwight to Alton segment is 2014, so there is a lot more work to be done.
The 5:10 estimate for Chicago to Dubuque is based on very old data. That timing was estimated back during the '07 study. A newer study acknowledged better track conditions now exist (in 2010) but didn't provide an updated schedule. IL-DOT is also negotiating with CN on running multiple trains a day. My bet is that old 5:10 estimate will be dropping significantly. I'd say closer to 3 or 4 when the additional upgrades are done, and I'm betting they'll get 2 roundtrips running daily.
