Railway Interchange 2017 Buzz

Chicago – St. Louis High Speed Rail Program Update (Room Sagamore 6)

19 Sep 17
11:30 AM - 12:00 PM

Tracks: AREMA Full Schedule, AREMA Technical Sessions- P&T

The upgrade of the Chicago – St. Louis corridor for high speed rail service is one of the most significant projects under construction as part of the Federal Railroad Administration’s (FRA) High Speed and Intercity Passenger Rail (HSIPR) program. Significant construction work has been completed in compliance with the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA), with more planned. Illinois DOT, the Union Pacific Railroad, and others are partnering to implement these improvements. This corridor is one of the few joint use corridors to be developed to accommodate both higher speed (up to 110 mph) passenger trains and significant freight traffic. This presentation will address current program challenges and successes including NEPA and permitting activities, completion of significant grade crossing upgrades and safety improvements, the installation of Positive Train Control (PTC) combining I-ETMS with ITCS for crossings, extensive track and structures work, and other progress.