The proposed project would improve passenger and freight rail transportation by restoring and completing missing sections from a second, parallel, mainline track along the Chicago - St. Louis rail corridor. This project is the second step in meeting the purpose and need of the Chicago - St. Louis High Speed Rail (HSR) Project, which is to modally balance the transportation system between these two cities with an environmentally friendly, reliable, and convenient travel option. The proposed incremental approach for improvements to existing railroad infrastructure to achieve a four hour travel time for the passenger rail mode is the most cost-effective approach to improving current intercity rail service and facilitating development of HSR within the Chicago - St. Louis Corridor. The purpose and need of the proposed project also includes preserving and improving rail freight services in the corridor, including intermodal freight services.