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<rss version="2.0"><channel><title>Illinois High-Speed Rail</title><link>http://www.idothsr.org/</link><description></description><ttl>5</ttl><item><title>IDOT Expected to Seek Proposals in mid-July to Build High-Speed Locomotives </title><link>http://www.idothsr.org/#idot_expected_to_seek_proposals_in_midjuly_to_</link><description><![CDATA[SPRINGFIELD – Governor Pat Quinn announced today that significant progress in preparing the Request for Proposals (RFP) for release has been made for approximately 35 high-performance diesel-electric locomotives for Illinois, Michigan, Missouri and Iowa in the Midwest]]></description><pubDate>Fri, 14 Jun 2013 16:41:00 CDT</pubDate></item><item><title>Guest blogger Federal Railroad Administrator Joseph Szabo: In the Midwest, high-speed rail reignites manufacturing</title><link>http://www.idothsr.org/#guest_blogger_federal_railroad_administrator_joseph_szabo_in_</link><description><![CDATA[In his State of the Union address last week, President Obama called on us to reignite the engine of economic growth. Here at DOT, we know that investing in America's transportation infrastructure is one way to jump-start that economic engine--]]></description><pubDate>Fri, 14 Jun 2013 14:54:00 CDT</pubDate></item><item><title>IL Transportation Secretary Anne Schnieder says IL needs federal money to help keep people on the Amtrak trains in Illinois</title><link>http://www.idothsr.org/#il_transportation_secretary_anne_schnieder_says_il_needs_</link><description><![CDATA[The Chairman of the U.S. House Subcommittee on Railroads, Pipelines, and Hazardous Materials, U.S. Rep. Jeff Denham (R-CA), held a roundtable discussion in Springfield on Tuesday]]></description><pubDate>Thu, 13 Jun 2013 11:03:00 CDT</pubDate></item><item><title>Animal passengers could help Amtrak</title><link>http://www.idothsr.org/#animal_passengers_could_help_amtrak_</link><description><![CDATA[WASHINGTON — You might say I have a dog in this fight.

He’s tiny. He’s blind. His bark is decidedly unmanly and his bites, usually in defense against things that can’t be seen, are forgivably innocuous.
]]></description><pubDate>Thu, 13 Jun 2013 11:01:00 CDT</pubDate></item><item><title>Durbin meets nominee for transportation secretary</title><link>http://www.idothsr.org/#durbin_meets_nominee_for_transportation_secretary_</link><description><![CDATA[WASHINGTON (AP) — U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin has met with President Barack Obama's nominee to be the nation's next transportation secretary.]]></description><pubDate>Thu, 13 Jun 2013 10:59:00 CDT</pubDate></item><item><title>Durbin asks senators to support Ill. rail projects</title><link>http://www.idothsr.org/#durbin_asks_senators_to_support_ill_rail_projects_</link><description><![CDATA[CHICAGO (AP) — U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin says he's urging a Senate committee to include several Illinois rail projects in upcoming legislation.]]></description><pubDate>Tue, 11 Jun 2013 16:42:00 CDT</pubDate></item><item><title>Union Pacific Railroad Recognized by WWL Vehicle Services Americas with Rail Carrier of the Year Award</title><link>http://www.idothsr.org/#union_pacific_railroad_recognized_by_wwl_vehicle_services_</link><description><![CDATA[Union Pacific Railroad Recognized by WWL Vehicle Services Americas with Rail Carrier of the Year Award.]]></description><pubDate>Tue, 11 Jun 2013 16:41:00 CDT</pubDate></item><item><title>Chicago rail program a success, but future funding in doubt, officials say</title><link>http://www.idothsr.org/#chicago_rail_program_a_success_but_future_funding_</link><description><![CDATA[Overpasses have been built in recent years at two of the Chicago area's most notoriously blocked rail/highway crossings, lifting delays for thousands of vehicles a day. And work is underway to untangle four other bottlenecks.]]></description><pubDate>Tue, 11 Jun 2013 16:38:00 CDT</pubDate></item><item><title>IDOT, Springfield and Sangamon County Officials Sign Agreement to Advance High-Speed Rail Design Work on 10th Street Corridor</title><link>http://www.idothsr.org/#idot_springfield_and_sangamon_county_officials_sign_agreement_</link><description><![CDATA[SPRINGFIELD - Illinois Transportation Secretary Ann L. Schneider, Springfield Mayor Michael J. Houston and Sangamon County Chairman Andy Van Meter today announced an Intergovernmental Cooperation Agreement (IGA) to advance design work as a part of the 10th Street Railroad Consolidation Plan. ]]></description><pubDate>Wed, 05 Jun 2013 10:30:00 CDT</pubDate></item><item><title>Explore Illinois by Train Day</title><link>http://www.idothsr.org/#explore_illinois_by_train_day_</link><description><![CDATA[Dear Illinois Amtrak Community:

You are invited to participate in the 2013 Annual Explore Illinois by Train Day, formerly known as Illinois Tourism Day. The event will be held on Wednesday, July 17, 2013 from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the Great Hall of Chicago Union Station. 
]]></description><pubDate>Wed, 29 May 2013 16:36:00 CDT</pubDate></item><item><title>REMINDER - Union Pacific Railroad High-Speed Rail General Contractor and Sub-Contractor Information Session</title><link>http://www.idothsr.org/#reminder__union_pacific_railroad_highspeed_rail_general_</link><description><![CDATA[April 23, 2013 - Union Pacific Railroad (UPRR) will host an informational session about available general contractor and subcontractor opportunities, scale of work, qualifications, schedule and timing for contractor bid submissions.]]></description><pubDate>Mon, 22 Apr 2013 13:38:00 CDT</pubDate></item><item><title>Alton Multimodal Transportation Center Public Meeting Re-Scheduled</title><link>http://www.idothsr.org/#alton_multimodal_transportation_center_public_meeting_rescheduled_</link><description><![CDATA[The Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) is hosting a public
meeting regarding the Illinois High-Speed Rail Chicago to St. Louis
Project. This meeting has been re-scheduled for April 25, 2013.]]></description><pubDate>Mon, 22 Apr 2013 08:40:00 CDT</pubDate></item><item><title>AMTRAK RIDERSHIP GROWTH CONTINUES IN FY 2013</title><link>http://www.idothsr.org/#amtrak_ridership_growth_continues_in_fy_2013_</link><description><![CDATA[March sets record as single best month in history of railroad]]></description><pubDate>Fri, 12 Apr 2013 17:51:00 CDT</pubDate></item><item><title>Union Pacific Railroad High-Speed Rail General Contractor and Sub-Contractor Information Session</title><link>http://www.idothsr.org/#union_pacific_railroad_highspeed_rail_general_contractor_and_</link><description><![CDATA[On 4/23/2013, from 2:00 - 4:00 PM, Union Pacific will host an informational session about available general contractor and subcontractor opportunities, scale of work, qualifications, schedule and timing for contractor bid submissions.]]></description><pubDate>Tue, 09 Apr 2013 16:23:00 CDT</pubDate></item><item><title>Public Meeting - Alton Regional Multimodal Transportation Center Project</title><link>http://www.idothsr.org/#public_meeting__alton_regional_multimodal_transportation_center_</link><description><![CDATA[The Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) is hosting a public meeting regarding the Illinois High-Speed Rail Chicago to St. Louis Project. The purpose of this meeting is to seek input on the Environmental Assessment (EA) concerning the Alton Regional Multimodal Transportation Center Project.]]></description><pubDate>Fri, 05 Apr 2013 14:41:00 CDT</pubDate></item><item><title>Governor Quinn Announces Illinois to Lead Multi-State</title><link>http://www.idothsr.org/#governor_quinn_announces_illinois_to_lead_multistate_</link><description><![CDATA[CHICAGO – Governor Pat Quinn announced today that the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) has named Illinois to lead the multi-state procurement of next-generation locomotives for high-speed rail.]]></description><pubDate>Thu, 21 Mar 2013 10:40:00 CDT</pubDate></item><item><title>Budget: Illinois to spend more on Amtrak</title><link>http://www.idothsr.org/#budget_illinois_to_spend_more_on_amtrak_</link><description><![CDATA[SPRINGFIELD — While other parts of government may be facing potentially drastic cuts, Gov. Pat Quinn is calling for an increase in spending on Amtrak train service.]]></description><pubDate>Tue, 12 Mar 2013 16:15:00 CDT</pubDate></item><item><title>Amtrak to get $12M increase under Illinois budget</title><link>http://www.idothsr.org/#amtrak_to_get_12m_increase_under_illinois_budget_</link><description><![CDATA[March 9, 2013 ( SPRINGFIELD, Ill.) -- One area of state government that's not facing cuts under Illinois's worst-ever budget is its support for passenger rail service. ]]></description><pubDate>Tue, 12 Mar 2013 16:14:00 CDT</pubDate></item><item><title>Illinois budget sets out $12M increase for Amtrak</title><link>http://www.idothsr.org/#illinois_budget_sets_out_12m_increase_for_amtrak_</link><description><![CDATA[SPRINGFIELD — One area of state government that's not facing cuts under Illinois's worst-ever budget is its support for passenger rail service.]]></description><pubDate>Tue, 12 Mar 2013 16:12:00 CDT</pubDate></item><item><title>Transportation secretary: Americans want to ‘get out of their cars’ [VIDEO]</title><link>http://www.idothsr.org/#transportation_secretary_americans_want_to_get_out_of_</link><description><![CDATA[WASHINGTON – Making a case for high-speed rail in America, Secretary of Transportation Ray LaHood said Americans want to “get off the 95 corridor,” 

]]></description><pubDate>Tue, 12 Mar 2013 16:11:00 CDT</pubDate></item><item><title>Climate Change Solutions That Advance Illinois' Economy and Environment Together </title><link>http://www.idothsr.org/#climate_change_solutions_that_advance_illinois_economy_and_</link><description><![CDATA[President Barack Obama emphasized advancing climate change and clean energy solutions as a second-term priority.]]></description><pubDate>Tue, 12 Mar 2013 16:10:00 CDT</pubDate></item><item><title>Quinn proposes Amtrak boost</title><link>http://www.idothsr.org/#quinn_proposes_amtrak_boost_</link><description><![CDATA[GALESBURG — 

It’s far from reality at this point, but part of Gov. Pat Quinn’s budget proposal is to increase funding for state-
]]></description><pubDate>Tue, 12 Mar 2013 16:09:00 CDT</pubDate></item><item><title>High-Speed Rail Arrives in the Midwest</title><link>http://www.idothsr.org/#highspeed_rail_arrives_in_the_midwest_</link><description><![CDATA[Hundreds of Midwest manufacturers stand to benefit from a web of high-speed passenger rail routes emerging from Chicago’s rail hub,]]></description><pubDate>Tue, 12 Mar 2013 16:08:00 CDT</pubDate></item><item><title>Nominees Released for State ‘Lincoln’ Awards - Amtrak conductor among those up for title of ‘Best Supporting Actor’ at upcoming Excellence in Tourism Dinner</title><link>http://www.idothsr.org/#nominees_released_for_state_lincoln_awards__amtrak_</link><description><![CDATA[Chicago – Inspired by the Oscar®-nominated Steven Spielberg blockbuster film, Lincoln, the Illinois Office of Tourism is rolling out the red carpet for the state’s brightest stars in its first ever ‘Lincoln Awards.’]]></description><pubDate>Tue, 26 Feb 2013 14:39:00 CDT</pubDate></item><item><title>High-Speed Rail Infrastructure Investing</title><link>http://www.idothsr.org/#highspeed_rail_infrastructure_investing_</link><description><![CDATA[It's not often I agree with the folks in Washington... but in the case of a recent comment made by soon-to-be former Secretary of Transportation Ray LaHood, I will make an exception.]]></description><pubDate>Wed, 13 Feb 2013 12:48:00 CDT</pubDate></item><item><title>Midwest High-Speed Rail: Hundreds Of Firms Will Benefit From New Web Of Routes </title><link>http://www.idothsr.org/#midwest_highspeed_rail_hundreds_of_firms_will_benefit_</link><description><![CDATA[CHICAGO -- Hundreds of Midwest manufacturers stand to benefit from a web of high-speed passenger rail routes emerging from Chicago's rail hub, according to a report released by an environmental policy group ]]></description><pubDate>Wed, 13 Feb 2013 12:42:00 CDT</pubDate></item><item><title>2013 DBE Conference </title><link>http://www.idothsr.org/#2013_dbe_conference_</link><description><![CDATA[Today's Challange, Tomorrow's Reward  ]]></description><pubDate>Mon, 11 Feb 2013 10:22:00 CDT</pubDate></item><item><title>Setting an example in the Midwest </title><link>http://www.idothsr.org/#setting_an_example_in_the_midwest_</link><description><![CDATA[The first phase of a major upgrade of the Chicago - St Louis corridor through the heart of Illinois is complete. And with work continuing to finish the entire project by 2017, the line is considered a bellwether for future improvements to freight corridors ]]></description><pubDate>Fri, 08 Feb 2013 13:51:00 CDT</pubDate></item><item><title>A US high speed rail network shouldn't just be a dream</title><link>http://www.idothsr.org/#a_us_high_speed_rail_network_shouldnt_just_</link><description><![CDATA[I created this US High Speed Rail Map as a composite of several proposed maps from 2009, when government agencies and advocacy groups were talking big about rebuilding America's train system. ]]></description><pubDate>Fri, 08 Feb 2013 13:50:00 CDT</pubDate></item><item><title>U.S. high-speed rail ‘well on its way and not turning back’ </title><link>http://www.idothsr.org/#us_highspeed_rail_well_on_its_way_and_</link><description><![CDATA[High-speed rail is well on its way, and it is not turning back’, according to U.S. Secretary of Transportation Ray LaHood.]]></description><pubDate>Wed, 16 Jan 2013 16:33:00 CDT</pubDate></item><item><title>RIDE AMTRAK AND ENJOY GETTING AROUND WITHOUT DRIVING Save 20% on train travel in Illinois, Michigan and Missouri </title><link>http://www.idothsr.org/#ride_amtrak_and_enjoy_getting_around_without_driving_</link><description><![CDATA[Amtrak has ways to avoid driving, have fun and save money with 20 percent discounts on several Midwestern trains for travel from now through March 31.]]></description><pubDate>Tue, 08 Jan 2013 16:56:00 CDT</pubDate></item><item><title>Rising Midwest train travelers stoke high-speed rail </title><link>http://www.idothsr.org/#rising_midwest_train_travelers_stoke_highspeed_rail_</link><description><![CDATA[More travelers are considering trains to travel between cities in the Midwest, spurring new efforts to upgrade to higher-speed travel along Amtrak rails.]]></description><pubDate>Tue, 08 Jan 2013 16:51:00 CDT</pubDate></item><item><title>IDOT Begins Negotiations to Buy Lincoln Depot </title><link>http://www.idothsr.org/#idot_begins_negotiations_to_buy_lincoln_depot_</link><description><![CDATA[Lincoln's city council is giving the green light for the Illinois Department of Transportation to begin negotiations to buy property by the train depot. City officials said IDOT is continuing plans to improve rail lines from Chicago to St. Louis. As part of that high-speed rail plan]]></description><pubDate>Mon, 07 Jan 2013 16:27:00 CDT</pubDate></item><item><title>High Times for High-Speed Rail </title><link>http://www.idothsr.org/#high_times_for_highspeed_rail_</link><description><![CDATA[High-speed rail is on a roll. For decades, a passionate coalition of rail buffs, economic development types, aerophobes, and car-disdainers have longed for Euro-Asian-style fast trains that shave hours off intercity travel]]></description><pubDate>Fri, 04 Jan 2013 13:15:00 CDT</pubDate></item><item><title>Top stories of 2012: No 8 -- 10th Street rail corridor</title><link>http://www.idothsr.org/#top_stories_of_2012_no_8__10th_</link><description><![CDATA[Three years ago, it seemed as though there was no stopping high-speed trains from coming down the Third Street tracks, through the heart of downtown Springfield]]></description><pubDate>Fri, 04 Jan 2013 13:14:00 CDT</pubDate></item><item><title>Federal Railroad Administration Issues Record of Decision for the Chicago to St. Louis High-Speed Rail Corridor </title><link>http://www.idothsr.org/#federal_railroad_administration_issues_record_of_decision_for_</link><description><![CDATA[WASHINGTON – The Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) today issued two Records of Decision (ROD) for the required National Environmental Policy Act analysis on the Chicago-St. Louis high-speed rail corridor, ]]></description><pubDate>Tue, 18 Dec 2012 18:44:00 CDT</pubDate></item><item><title>Governor Quinn Praises Federal Approval That Clears the Way for High-Speed Rail </title><link>http://www.idothsr.org/#governor_quinn_praises_federal_approval_that_clears_the_</link><description><![CDATA[Federal Railroad Administration Issues Decision to Allow Full Build-out of Chicago-St. Louis High Speed Rail; Includes 10th Street Corridor in Springfield.   ]]></description><pubDate>Tue, 18 Dec 2012 18:39:00 CDT</pubDate></item><item><title>Ray LaHood Touts High-Speed Rail at UIC Urban Forum</title><link>http://www.idothsr.org/#ray_lahood_touts_highspeed_rail_at_uic_urban_</link><description><![CDATA[Cities matter. In the Midwest recent headlines have read like an urban planning syllabus: post-industrial rebirth attracts a new generation of urbanites downtown, the roll-out of high-speed rail begins to pick up pace, and while innovative solutions to the region’s well-documented problems abound, ]]></description><pubDate>Tue, 11 Dec 2012 11:23:00 CDT</pubDate></item><item><title>Witnesses testified on the Obama administration’s high-speed rail program</title><link>http://www.idothsr.org/#witnesses_testified_on_the_obama_administrations_highspeed_rail_</link><description><![CDATA[California Representatives Janice Hahn (D) and Kevin McCarthy (R) testified before the committee about California’s high speed rail program, on which they disagreed. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood also focused on California as he testified about the management of the administration’s program]]></description><pubDate>Mon, 10 Dec 2012 18:23:00 CDT</pubDate></item><item><title>Passengers Taking High Speed Rail</title><link>http://www.idothsr.org/#passengers_taking_high_speed_rail_</link><description><![CDATA[After a test phase, Amtrak is whisking rail passengers at a new top speed of 110 miles per hour over a short section of its route between Chicago and St. Louis.
 Governor Pat Quinn announced the step forward for the Midwest’s high-speed rail program on Thursday.]]></description><pubDate>Thu, 29 Nov 2012 16:58:00 CDT</pubDate></item><item><title>High-speed rail service on between Dwight, Pontiac</title><link>http://www.idothsr.org/#highspeed_rail_service_on_between_dwight_pontiac_</link><description><![CDATA[Gov. Pat Quinn, Illinois Transportation Secretary Ann Schneider and Amtrak officials have announced 110-mph rail service has started on a 15-mile segment of the Chicago-St. Louis corridor.]]></description><pubDate>Thu, 29 Nov 2012 16:56:00 CDT</pubDate></item><item><title>ST. LOUIS (KMOX) - Taking the train from St. Louis to Chicago just got a little more interesting.</title><link>http://www.idothsr.org/#st_louis_kmox__taking_the_train_from_</link><description><![CDATA[SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (AP) — After a test phase, Amtrak is whisking rail passengers at a new top speed of 110 mph ]]></description><pubDate>Tue, 27 Nov 2012 17:18:00 CDT</pubDate></item><item><title>Amtrak Embraces Change From St. Louis to Chicago</title><link>http://www.idothsr.org/#amtrak_embraces_change_from_st_louis_to_chicago_</link><description><![CDATA[ST. LOUIS (KMOX) - Taking the train from St. Louis to Chicago just got a little more interesting. ]]></description><pubDate>Tue, 27 Nov 2012 17:17:00 CDT</pubDate></item><item><title>Illinois-based Nippon Sharyo awarded $352M contract to build high-speed railcars</title><link>http://www.idothsr.org/#illinoisbased_nippon_sharyo_awarded_352m_contract_to_build_</link><description><![CDATA[Governor Pat Quinn today was joined by U.S. Secretary of Transportation Ray LaHood, Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) Secretary Ann L. Schneider]]></description><pubDate>Tue, 27 Nov 2012 17:11:00 CDT</pubDate></item><item><title>After test phase, Amtrak whisking travelers at 110 mph over part of Chicago-St. Louis route</title><link>http://www.idothsr.org/#after_test_phase_amtrak_whisking_travelers_at_110_</link><description><![CDATA[SPRINGFIELD, Ill. — After a test phase, Amtrak is whisking rail passengers at a new top speed of 110 mph over a short section of its route between Chicago and St. Louis in a step forward for the Midwest high-speed rail program, officials said Thursday.]]></description><pubDate>Mon, 26 Nov 2012 10:24:00 CDT</pubDate></item><item><title>Governor Quinn Announces High-Speed Rail Service for Thanksgiving Travelers on Chicago-St. Louis Corridor</title><link>http://www.idothsr.org/#governor_quinn_announces_highspeed_rail_service_for_thanksgiving_</link><description><![CDATA[110-MPH Rail Segment Starts in Time for Peak Holiday Season, Marks Major Milestone for Illinois’ Rail Network]]></description><pubDate>Thu, 22 Nov 2012 09:38:00 CDT</pubDate></item><item><title>Governor Quinn, Secretary LaHood Announce Landmark Railcar Manufacturing Contract for Illinois-Based Nippon Sharyo</title><link>http://www.idothsr.org/#governor_quinn_secretary_lahood_announce_landmark_railcar_manufacturing_</link><description><![CDATA[Governor Pat Quinn today was joined by U.S. Secretary of Transportation Ray LaHood, Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) Secretary Ann L. Schneider and leaders from Sumitomo Corporation of America (SCOA) to announce that Illinois-based Nippon Sharyo ]]></description><pubDate>Tue, 20 Nov 2012 16:42:00 CDT</pubDate></item><item><title>Illinois Approves Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) on Chicago-St. Louis High-Speed Rail Corridor </title><link>http://www.idothsr.org/#illinois_approves_environmental_impact_statement_eis_on_chicagost_</link><description><![CDATA[Tier 1 EIS Decision Expected in December on Historic Transportation Project ]]></description><pubDate>Fri, 16 Nov 2012 17:22:00 CDT</pubDate></item><item><title>Ill. high-speed rail gets environmental approval</title><link>http://www.idothsr.org/#ill_highspeed_rail_gets_environmental_approval_</link><description><![CDATA[CHICAGO (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.]]></description><pubDate>Fri, 16 Nov 2012 17:20:00 CDT</pubDate></item><item><title>Passenger rail goes high speed in Illinois and across the Midwest</title><link>http://www.idothsr.org/#passenger_rail_goes_high_speed_in_illinois_and_</link><description><![CDATA["Four years ago we were nowhere. Today is a vision we made come true" - 
United States Department of Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood]]></description><pubDate>Mon, 22 Oct 2012 17:04:00 CDT</pubDate></item><item><title>GE Transportation Applauds 110 Mile Per Hour Rail Speeds in Illinois</title><link>http://www.idothsr.org/#ge_transportation_applauds_110_mile_per_hour_rail_</link><description><![CDATA[ERIE, Pa.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Lorenzo Simonelli, President and CEO of GE Transportation (NYS: GE) , today applauded the demonstration of 110 mile per hour rail service between Dwight and Pontiac, Illinois, thanks to a stretch of track ]]></description><pubDate>Mon, 22 Oct 2012 17:03:00 CDT</pubDate></item><item><title>Amtrak train briefly hit 111 mph in test run!</title><link>http://www.idothsr.org/#amtrak_train_briefly_hit_111_mph_in_test_</link><description><![CDATA[ABOARD AMTRAK TEST TRAIN – The fierce, unresolved debate over whether the U.S. can afford to invest billions of dollars on high-speed passenger rail seemed to fall by the wayside ]]></description><pubDate>Mon, 22 Oct 2012 17:01:00 CDT</pubDate></item><item><title>GOVERNOR QUINN, SECRETARY LAHOOD, SENATOR DURBIN PREVIEW 110-MPH RAIL SERVICE IN ILLINOIS</title><link>http://www.idothsr.org/#governor_quinn_secretary_lahood_senator_durbin_preview_110mph_</link><description><![CDATA[110-mile per hour Rail Demonstration A Milestone For Midwest High-Speed Rail Network, Thousands of Jobs Created from Work]]></description><pubDate>Mon, 22 Oct 2012 14:01:00 CDT</pubDate></item><item><title>Check it out! Amtrak 110 mph test run, filmed in Odell, IL </title><link>http://www.idothsr.org/#check_it_out_amtrak_110_mph_test_run_</link><description><![CDATA[Amtrak 110 mph test run, filmed in Odell, IL ]]></description><pubDate>Mon, 15 Oct 2012 09:55:00 CDT</pubDate></item><item><title>Quinn, LaHood plan high-speed rail trip between Joliet and Normal</title><link>http://www.idothsr.org/#quinn_lahood_plan_highspeed_rail_trip_between_joliet_</link><description><![CDATA[NORMAL - A segment of high-speed rail that runs through Central Illinois is almost finished]]></description><pubDate>Mon, 15 Oct 2012 09:53:00 CDT</pubDate></item><item><title>First High-Speed Rail Trip in Ill. to Happen Later This Month</title><link>http://www.idothsr.org/#first_highspeed_rail_trip_in_ill_to_happen_</link><description><![CDATA[Oct. 11--NORMAL -- State officials are gearing up for an inaugural run this month on the new high-speed rail tracks from Joliet to Normal. ]]></description><pubDate>Mon, 15 Oct 2012 09:51:00 CDT</pubDate></item><item><title>Amtrak passenger numbers surge in Illinois</title><link>http://www.idothsr.org/#amtrak_passenger_numbers_surge_in_illinois_</link><description><![CDATA[The number of people using Amtrak’s rail service in Illinois jumped by 5.5 percent over the last 11 months.]]></description><pubDate>Thu, 20 Sep 2012 11:30:00 CDT</pubDate></item><item><title>Amtrak scores impressive Illinois ridership gains</title><link>http://www.idothsr.org/#amtrak_scores_impressive_illinois_ridership_gains_</link><description><![CDATA[As Republicans and Democrats fight nationally about whether to support or kill Amtrak, the national passenger railroad continues to score some impressive ridership gains here in Illinois that ought to enter into the debate.
]]></description><pubDate>Thu, 20 Sep 2012 11:29:00 CDT</pubDate></item><item><title>SURGING AMTRAK RIDERSHIP SETS  11 CONSECUTIVE MONTHLY RECORDS Best September ever also expected </title><link>http://www.idothsr.org/#surging_amtrak_ridership_sets__11_consecutive_monthly_</link><description><![CDATA[WASHINGTON –Amtrak ridership is surging this year with 11 consecutive monthly ridership records.  In each month of the current fiscal year, Amtrak has posted the highest ridership total ever for that particular month ]]></description><pubDate>Mon, 10 Sep 2012 14:35:00 CDT</pubDate></item><item><title>IDOT hosting meetings on rail plan</title><link>http://www.idothsr.org/#idot_hosting_meetings_on_rail_plan_</link><description><![CDATA[The potential alternatives for high-speed rail service from Chicago to St. Louis have been evaluated, and those retained for further analysis will be presented at a series of public hearings hosted by the Illinois Department of Transportation and the Federal Railroad Administration.]]></description><pubDate>Fri, 10 Aug 2012 15:45:00 CDT</pubDate></item><item><title>Public can comment on high-speed rail at hearings</title><link>http://www.idothsr.org/#public_can_comment_on_highspeed_rail_at_hearings_</link><description><![CDATA[CENTRAL ILLINOIS — Do you have something to say about high-speed trains dashing through Lincoln, Logan County and some of its towns and villages along the Union Pacific rail line?]]></description><pubDate>Fri, 10 Aug 2012 15:44:00 CDT</pubDate></item><item><title>High-speed rail set to start soon on part of Amtrak line</title><link>http://www.idothsr.org/#highspeed_rail_set_to_start_soon_on_part_</link><description><![CDATA[JOLIET — Amtrak riders will start getting the feel of high-speed rail in the fall between Dwight and Pontiac.]]></description><pubDate>Fri, 10 Aug 2012 15:40:00 CDT</pubDate></item><item><title>Public hearing Aug. 8 on high-speed rail </title><link>http://www.idothsr.org/#public_hearing_aug_8_on_highspeed_rail_</link><description><![CDATA[JOLIET — Several alternatives for enhancing high-speed rail between Chicago and St. Louis have been studied as part of the Tier 1 Environmental Impact Study. ]]></description><pubDate>Thu, 02 Aug 2012 12:22:00 CDT</pubDate></item><item><title>Federal grant announced to help build Williamsville bridge</title><link>http://www.idothsr.org/#federal_grant_announced_to_help_build_williamsville_bridge_</link><description><![CDATA[WILLIAMSVILLE – A proposed bridge over the Union Pacific Railroad at Williamsville got a big boost Tuesday with U.S. Rep. Aaron Schock’s announcement of a $2.2 million federal grant to help fund the project.]]></description><pubDate>Thu, 02 Aug 2012 12:21:00 CDT</pubDate></item><item><title>Public Hearings Scheduled for Chicago to St. Louis </title><link>http://www.idothsr.org/#public_hearings_scheduled_for_chicago_to_st_louis_</link><description><![CDATA[SPRINGFIELD – The Illinois Department of Transportation and the Federal Railroad Administration are hosting a series of public hearings to seek comment on the Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS)]]></description><pubDate>Mon, 30 Jul 2012 15:18:00 CDT</pubDate></item><item><title>Final round of high-speed rail hearings scheduled</title><link>http://www.idothsr.org/#final_round_of_highspeed_rail_hearings_scheduled_</link><description><![CDATA[Springfield residents will have one more chance to attend a public hearing on the best route for passenger and freight trains through ]]></description><pubDate>Mon, 30 Jul 2012 13:32:00 CDT</pubDate></item><item><title>Department of transportation and Amtrak celebrate new Uptown station</title><link>http://www.idothsr.org/#department_of_transportation_and_amtrak_celebrate_new_uptown_</link><description><![CDATA[Federal and state officials joined representatives of the Town of Normal and Amtrak in opening a multimodal transportation center to serve as a station for Amtrak rail and motorcoach passengers, ]]></description><pubDate>Mon, 30 Jul 2012 13:31:00 CDT</pubDate></item><item><title>eTickets Now Accepted On Every Amtrak Train</title><link>http://www.idothsr.org/#etickets_now_accepted_on_every_amtrak_train_</link><description><![CDATA[WASHINGTON, July 30, 2012 /PRNewswire via COMTEX/ -- Passengers can skip the line and print eTickets whenever, wherever ]]></description><pubDate>Mon, 30 Jul 2012 13:29:00 CDT</pubDate></item><item><title>TOWN OF NORMAL, ILLINOIS, U.S. DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION AND AMTRAK CELEBRATE NEW “UPTOWN STATION”</title><link>http://www.idothsr.org/#town_of_normal_illinois_us_department_of_transportation_</link><description><![CDATA[NORMAL, Ill. – Federal and state officials today joined representatives of the Town of Normal and Amtrak in opening a multimodal transportation center ]]></description><pubDate>Mon, 16 Jul 2012 10:40:00 CDT</pubDate></item><item><title>New Look for Amtrak in Illinois</title><link>http://www.idothsr.org/#new_look_for_amtrak_in_illinois_</link><description><![CDATA[Illinois will acquire new rail cars for all of the in-state Amtrak routes. Illinois Department of Transportation Secretary Ann Schneider said the new cars will address the increase in ridership experienced by the service for the past five or six years.]]></description><pubDate>Mon, 09 Jul 2012 16:49:00 CDT</pubDate></item><item><title>Chicago's Historic Union Station is Better Than Ever</title><link>http://www.idothsr.org/#chicagos_historic_union_station_is_better_than_ever_</link><description><![CDATA[CHICAGO, June 26, 2012 /PRNewswire via COMTEX/ -- Mortenson Construction has brought the Great Hall at Union Station and its attached 8-story office building into the 21st century while preserving its historic heritage]]></description><pubDate>Thu, 05 Jul 2012 11:23:00 CDT</pubDate></item><item><title>Amtrak completes Union Station improvements in Chicago</title><link>http://www.idothsr.org/#amtrak_completes_union_station_improvements_in_chicago_</link><description><![CDATA[Amtrak completes Union Station improvements in Chicago]]></description><pubDate>Thu, 05 Jul 2012 11:22:00 CDT</pubDate></item><item><title>Residents get chance to ask questions about rail plan</title><link>http://www.idothsr.org/#residents_get_chance_to_ask_questions_about_rail_</link><description><![CDATA[About 100 people attended an informational meeting Thursday on the Illinois Department of Transportation’s recommendation that passenger and freight rail traffic through Springfield be rerouted along the 10th Street corridor.]]></description><pubDate>Thu, 05 Jul 2012 11:20:00 CDT</pubDate></item><item><title>Notice of Availability of a Draft Environmental Impact Statement, for the Chicago, IL to St. Louis, MO High Speed Rail Corridor Program</title><link>http://www.idothsr.org/#notice_of_availability_of_a_draft_environmental_impact_</link><description><![CDATA[FRA is issuing this notice to advise the public that a Draft Environmental Impact Statement (Draft EIS) has been prepared for the Chicago, Illinois to St. Louis, Missouri High Speed Rail Corridor Program. ]]></description><pubDate>Thu, 05 Jul 2012 11:19:00 CDT</pubDate></item><item><title>State Announces Plans to Provide $8.6 M for Springfield High-Speed Rail Corridor </title><link>http://www.idothsr.org/#state_announces_plans_to_provide_86_m_for_</link><description><![CDATA[SPRINGFIELD –The Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) today was joined by officials from the City of Springfield to announce a planned $8.6 million commitment toward the Phase II engineering studies on high-speed rail service on a consolidated 10th Street corridor through Springfield, ]]></description><pubDate>Thu, 05 Jul 2012 11:17:00 CDT</pubDate></item><item><title>$8.6M is Committed to Illinois High-Speed Rail Route</title><link>http://www.idothsr.org/#86m_is_committed_to_illinois_highspeed_rail_route_</link><description><![CDATA[SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (KMOX) — Engineering studies and designs for a section of the Chicago-St. Louis high-speed rail line will set back Illinois by $8.6 million.]]></description><pubDate>Thu, 05 Jul 2012 11:13:00 CDT</pubDate></item><item><title>Illinois commits $8.6M for Springfield rail route</title><link>http://www.idothsr.org/#illinois_commits_86m_for_springfield_rail_route_</link><description><![CDATA[SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (AP) — Illinois has set aside $8.6 million for engineering studies and designs for a section of the Chicago-St. Louis high-speed rail line that runs through the state capital.]]></description><pubDate>Thu, 05 Jul 2012 11:10:00 CDT</pubDate></item><item><title>Springfield Rail Improvements Project Advisory Group Meets to Review </title><link>http://www.idothsr.org/#springfield_rail_improvements_project_advisory_group_meets_to_</link><description><![CDATA[Several alternatives for accommodating anticipated increases in freight and passenger rail traffic through Springfield have been studied as part of the Chicago to St. Louis High-Speed Rail Environmental Impact Study (EIS). ]]></description><pubDate>Wed, 27 Jun 2012 12:48:00 CDT</pubDate></item><item><title>Draft Environmental Impact Statement (Draft EIS) Available for Stakeholder Review </title><link>http://www.idothsr.org/#draft_environmental_impact_statement_draft_eis_available_for_</link><description><![CDATA[IDOT has released the Draft Environmental Impact Statement (Draft EIS) dated June 2012, initiating a formal stakeholder review and comment period. Comments on the Draft EIS are due by Monday, August 20, 2012.
]]></description><pubDate>Tue, 26 Jun 2012 11:26:00 CDT</pubDate></item><item><title>More rail work planned between Chicago, St. Louis</title><link>http://www.idothsr.org/#more_rail_work_planned_between_chicago_st_louis_</link><description><![CDATA[CHICAGO (AP) — Rail upgrades needed for faster train journeys between Chicago and St. Louis will start north of Bloomington this weekend.]]></description><pubDate>Fri, 15 Jun 2012 11:39:00 CDT</pubDate></item><item><title>High-speed rail work means a return to buses for Amtrak</title><link>http://www.idothsr.org/#highspeed_rail_work_means_a_return_to_buses_</link><description><![CDATA[The final phase of high-speed rail construction means another round of charter-bus rides for Amtrak passengers between St. Louis and Chicago, including Springfield]]></description><pubDate>Thu, 14 Jun 2012 15:51:00 CDT</pubDate></item><item><title>Illinois High-Speed Rail Construction Continues Through the Summer 2012</title><link>http://www.idothsr.org/#illinois_highspeed_rail_construction_continues_through_the_summer_</link><description><![CDATA[Starting June 16, the Illinois Department of Transportation (Illinois DOT) and Union Pacific Railroad will begin the final phase of 2012 upgrades to Illinois’ signature Chicago - St. Louis high-speed rail route for future high-speed Amtrak trains.]]></description><pubDate>Tue, 12 Jun 2012 16:20:00 CDT</pubDate></item><item><title>ILLINOIS HIGH-SPEED RAIL CORRIDOR WORK CONTINUES</title><link>http://www.idothsr.org/#illinois_highspeed_rail_corridor_work_continues_</link><description><![CDATA[CHICAGO – The Illinois Department of Transportation (Illinois DOT) and Union Pacific Railroad are beginning the final phase of 2012 upgrades to Illinois’ signature high-speed route, Chicago-St. Louis, for future high-speed Amtrak trains.  ]]></description><pubDate>Tue, 12 Jun 2012 16:15:00 CDT</pubDate></item><item><title>Amtrak Service Change </title><link>http://www.idothsr.org/#amtrak_service_change_</link><description><![CDATA[Starting June 16, the Illinois Department of Transportation (Illinois DOT) and Union Pacific Railroad will begin the final phase of 2012 upgrades to Illinois’ signature Chicago - St. Louis high-speed rail route for future high-speed Amtrak trains. ]]></description><pubDate>Fri, 08 Jun 2012 14:33:00 CDT</pubDate></item><item><title>Normal OKs Amtrak parking charge, with free option</title><link>http://www.idothsr.org/#normal_oks_amtrak_parking_charge_with_free_option_</link><description><![CDATA[NORMAL – Normal’s Town Council approved the $8 daily parking fee for Amtrak users, but City Manager Mark Peterson said there will be a free option available.]]></description><pubDate>Wed, 23 May 2012 10:19:00 CDT</pubDate></item><item><title>Amtrak route for area on target for late 2014, early 2015</title><link>http://www.idothsr.org/#amtrak_route_for_area_on_target_for_late_</link><description><![CDATA[DUBUQUE, Iowa — George Weber, who heads the passenger rail division of the Illinois Dept. of Transportation, says passenger train service between Chicago and Dubuque, Iowa, stopping at South Elgin, Rockford, Freeport and Galena, with a ]]></description><pubDate>Fri, 18 May 2012 14:44:00 CDT</pubDate></item><item><title>Mich. Ill., Ind. give $600,000 for fast rail study</title><link>http://www.idothsr.org/#mich_ill_ind_give_600000_for_fast_rail_</link><description><![CDATA[KALAMAZOO, Mich. (AP) — U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood says Michigan, Illinois and Indiana are contributing $200,000 each to a $4 million study to creating a high-speed rail corridor between Chicago and Detroit.]]></description><pubDate>Wed, 09 May 2012 17:18:00 CDT</pubDate></item><item><title>Amtrak Enlists iPhones as a Service Tool</title><link>http://www.idothsr.org/#amtrak_enlists_iphones_as_a_service_tool_</link><description><![CDATA[Old-school train conductors are finally ready to give up their hole punchers to try something new: the iPhone. 
]]></description><pubDate>Wed, 09 May 2012 17:15:00 CDT</pubDate></item><item><title>Amtrak will scrap hole punchers, use fat iPhone scanners instead</title><link>http://www.idothsr.org/#amtrak_will_scrap_hole_punchers_use_fat_iphone_</link><description><![CDATA[We're all for replacing paper tickets with app-based digital scanners, but these chubby iPhone ticket scanners that Amtrak plans to use make the out-going hole puncher look svelte in comparison]]></description><pubDate>Wed, 09 May 2012 17:04:00 CDT</pubDate></item><item><title>LaHood Pushes Senate Transportation Bill</title><link>http://www.idothsr.org/#lahood_pushes_senate_transportation_bill_</link><description><![CDATA[U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood says the Senate version of a new transportation bill is needed to drive large-scale projects like the Macomb bypass to completion.]]></description><pubDate>Wed, 02 May 2012 17:00:00 CDT</pubDate></item><item><title>Amtrak receives energy grant; Twin Cities' council awards $15.7 million in TOD grants</title><link>http://www.idothsr.org/#amtrak_receives_energy_grant_twin_cities_council_awards_</link><description><![CDATA[Illinois state officials have awarded Amtrak a $300,000 grant to help upgrade the national intercity passenger railroad’s Chicago train yard]]></description><pubDate>Fri, 27 Apr 2012 11:02:00 CDT</pubDate></item><item><title>Feds open bidding for high-speed rail cars</title><link>http://www.idothsr.org/#feds_open_bidding_for_highspeed_rail_cars_</link><description><![CDATA[Bidding was opened Friday for companies in the U.S. to submit proposals to manufacture approximately 130 high-speed passenger rail cars, including 88 for Illinois and neighboring Midwest states.]]></description><pubDate>Mon, 23 Apr 2012 16:13:00 CDT</pubDate></item><item><title>Voice Opinion On High Speed Rail</title><link>http://www.idothsr.org/#voice_opinion_on_high_speed_rail_</link><description><![CDATA[The Missouri Department of Transportation has released a draft statewide rail plan and is now seeking public feedback at meetings to be held throughout the state. Residents' input for the future of freight and passenger rail in Missouri is needed.]]></description><pubDate>Mon, 23 Apr 2012 15:32:00 CDT</pubDate></item><item><title>Department of Transportation Opens Bidding for Made-in-America Passenger Rail Cars </title><link>http://www.idothsr.org/#department_of_transportation_opens_bidding_for_madeinamerica_passenger_</link><description><![CDATA[WASHINGTON – Rail car manufacturers across the country will have an opportunity to submit bids to produce the first American-made, standardized passenger rail cars, U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood announced today.  .....

]]></description><pubDate>Mon, 23 Apr 2012 15:29:00 CDT</pubDate></item><item><title>Bidding opens for high-speed rail cars</title><link>http://www.idothsr.org/#bidding_opens_for_highspeed_rail_cars_</link><description><![CDATA[Bidding was opened Friday for companies in the U.S. to submit proposals to manufacture approximately 130 high-speed passenger trains, including 88 rail cars for Illinois and neighboring Midwest states.]]></description><pubDate>Mon, 23 Apr 2012 15:28:00 CDT</pubDate></item><item><title>State awards Chicago-based Amtrak station with grant to improve its train yard</title><link>http://www.idothsr.org/#state_awards_chicagobased_amtrak_station_with_grant_to_</link><description><![CDATA[CHICAGO (AP) — The Chicago-based Amtrak station is getting an eco-friendly upgrade.

State officials have awarded Amtrak with a $300,000 energy efficiency grant to assist the agency in updating its train yard in Chicago.
]]></description><pubDate>Mon, 23 Apr 2012 15:25:00 CDT</pubDate></item><item><title>Department of Transportation Opens Bidding for Made-in-America Passenger Rail Cars</title><link>http://www.idothsr.org/#department_of_transportation_opens_bidding_for_madeinamerica_passenger_</link><description><![CDATA[WASHINGTON – Rail car manufacturers across the country will have an opportunity to submit bids to produce the first American-made, standardized passenger rail cars, U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood announced today.]]></description><pubDate>Fri, 20 Apr 2012 16:26:00 CDT</pubDate></item><item><title>Crossings close Thursday for high-speed rail project</title><link>http://www.idothsr.org/#crossings_close_thursday_for_highspeed_rail_project_</link><description><![CDATA[GODFREY - Union Pacific Railroad begins work on its rights-of-way in the village Thursday in preparation for high-speed rail.

]]></description><pubDate>Tue, 17 Apr 2012 16:44:00 CDT</pubDate></item><item><title>Amtrak on record pace in Illinois</title><link>http://www.idothsr.org/#amtrak_on_record_pace_in_illinois_</link><description><![CDATA[Amtrak is on a record pace to carry nearly 1.5 million passengers on Illinois trains in the federal fiscal year, based on numbers released Wednesday for the first half of the year.]]></description><pubDate>Mon, 16 Apr 2012 16:34:00 CDT</pubDate></item><item><title>Train Crossing Closures Begin This Week</title><link>http://www.idothsr.org/#train_crossing_closures_begin_this_week_</link><description><![CDATA[Work on area railroad crossings will begin this week, as IDOT is continuing work in preparation for the High Speed Rail upgrade. ]]></description><pubDate>Mon, 16 Apr 2012 16:33:00 CDT</pubDate></item><item><title>Amtrak Announces Cancellations and Delays</title><link>http://www.idothsr.org/#amtrak_announces_cancellations_and_delays_</link><description><![CDATA[Amtrak has announced cancellations and delays on its routes from Chicago to Port Huron and to Pontia]]></description><pubDate>Mon, 16 Apr 2012 16:11:00 CDT</pubDate></item><item><title>Amtrak on record pace for passengers in Illinois, nationwide</title><link>http://www.idothsr.org/#amtrak_on_record_pace_for_passengers_in_illinois_</link><description><![CDATA[Amtrak is on a record pace to carry nearly 1.5 million passengers on Illinois trains in the federal fiscal year, based on numbers released Wednesday for the first half of the year]]></description><pubDate>Wed, 11 Apr 2012 17:02:00 CDT</pubDate></item><item><title>Rising gas prices encourage more people to ride Amtrak</title><link>http://www.idothsr.org/#rising_gas_prices_encourage_more_people_to_ride_</link><description><![CDATA[QUINCY, Ill. (WGEM) -- The rising cost of gas has many people looking for ways to save, and some people are turning to the train.]]></description><pubDate>Wed, 11 Apr 2012 16:48:00 CDT</pubDate></item><item><title>Obama is committed to passenger-rail expansion, Szabo says</title><link>http://www.idothsr.org/#obama_is_committed_to_passengerrail_expansion_szabo_says_</link><description><![CDATA[Speaking at last week’s Northern Flyer Alliance’s Passenger Rail Symposium in Kansas City, Mo., Federal Railroad Administrator Joseph Szabo reaffirmed President Obama’s commitment to passenger rail ]]></description><pubDate>Mon, 09 Apr 2012 11:42:00 CDT</pubDate></item><item><title>Amtrak Announces Service Disruptions To Passengers</title><link>http://www.idothsr.org/#amtrak_announces_service_disruptions_to_passengers_</link><description><![CDATA[Amtrak announced passengers will be affected by service disruptions for track work as deadlines near for the high speed rail project. As work continues, certain trains will be canceled, have different schedules]]></description><pubDate>Fri, 06 Apr 2012 10:03:00 CDT</pubDate></item><item><title>Houston and Van Meter: Dollars still the problem in rail consolidation</title><link>http://www.idothsr.org/#houston_and_van_meter_dollars_still_the_problem_</link><description><![CDATA[Two local leaders say federal transportation officials are getting the message on the need for Springfield railroad consolidation.]]></description><pubDate>Wed, 04 Apr 2012 09:18:00 CDT</pubDate></item><item><title>Planned rail upgrades between Chicago and St. Louis to affect Amtrak routes</title><link>http://www.idothsr.org/#planned_rail_upgrades_between_chicago_and_st_louis_</link><description><![CDATA[CHICAGO — Upgrades are planned on the rail line between Chicago and St. Louis for future high-speed Amtrak trains.]]></description><pubDate>Thu, 29 Mar 2012 12:16:00 CDT</pubDate></item><item><title>Illinois Department of Transportation and Union Pacific Railroad planning rail upgrades</title><link>http://www.idothsr.org/#illinois_department_of_transportation_and_union_pacific_railroad_</link><description><![CDATA[CHICAGO (AP) - Upgrades are planned on the rail line between Chicago and St. Louis for future high-speed Amtrak trains]]></description><pubDate>Thu, 29 Mar 2012 12:15:00 CDT</pubDate></item><item><title>More High Speed Rail Work In The Area</title><link>http://www.idothsr.org/#more_high_speed_rail_work_in_the_area_</link><description><![CDATA[Upgrades are planned this spring on the Amtrak rail line that runs through Springfield.  The Illinois Department of Transportation and Union Pacific Railroad are making the upgrades in advance of high speed trains. ]]></description><pubDate>Thu, 29 Mar 2012 12:12:00 CDT</pubDate></item><item><title>Rails to get upgrades for high-speed trains</title><link>http://www.idothsr.org/#rails_to_get_upgrades_for_highspeed_trains_</link><description><![CDATA[CHICAGO — Upgrades are planned on the rail line between Chicago and St. Louis for future high-speed Amtrak trains.


]]></description><pubDate>Thu, 29 Mar 2012 12:06:00 CDT</pubDate></item><item><title>Illinois High Speed Rail Work Resumes</title><link>http://www.idothsr.org/#illinois_high_speed_rail_work_resumes_</link><description><![CDATA[Starting April 16, The Illinois Department of Transportation (Illinois DOT) and Union Pacific Railroad will again be upgrading Illinois’ signature high-speed route, Chicago-St. Louis, for future high-speed trains.]]></description><pubDate>Wed, 28 Mar 2012 16:50:00 CDT</pubDate></item><item><title>Wisconsin’s loss is Illinois’ gain as trains roll</title><link>http://www.idothsr.org/#wisconsins_loss_is_illinois_gain_as_trains_roll_</link><description><![CDATA[The relatively small central Illinois city of Normal can serve as a lesson to the mass transit naysayers who are holding sway in Wisconsin state government these days.]]></description><pubDate>Wed, 28 Mar 2012 16:39:00 CDT</pubDate></item><item><title>Rail service future examined</title><link>http://www.idothsr.org/#rail_service_future_examined_</link><description><![CDATA[A budget crisis doesn't mean the state halts planning for the future. Take trains for instance. The State Transportation Department is holding a public meeting in Peoria this afternoon on what an Illinois rail plan might look like.]]></description><pubDate>Wed, 28 Mar 2012 13:55:00 CDT</pubDate></item><item><title>Wisconsin’s loss is Illinois’ gain as trains roll</title><link>http://www.idothsr.org/#wisconsins_loss_is_illinois_gain_as_trains_roll_</link><description><![CDATA[The relatively small central Illinois city of Normal can serve as a lesson to the mass transit naysayers who are holding sway in Wisconsin state government these days.

]]></description><pubDate>Wed, 28 Mar 2012 13:49:00 CDT</pubDate></item><item><title>High speed trains may test Pontiac-Dwight track in July</title><link>http://www.idothsr.org/#high_speed_trains_may_test_pontiacdwight_track_in_</link><description><![CDATA[DWIGHT — A test of high-speed trains could begin in July on a section of track between Dwight and Pontiac. 
]]></description><pubDate>Thu, 08 Mar 2012 17:56:00 CDT</pubDate></item><item><title>High-speed trains to begin test runs in Illinois this summer</title><link>http://www.idothsr.org/#highspeed_trains_to_begin_test_runs_in_illinois_</link><description><![CDATA[The first 110-mph passenger trains in Illinois should begin test runs this summer on a 20-mile section of the Chicago-St. Louis line, an official with the Illinois Department of Transportation said Tuesday]]></description><pubDate>Thu, 08 Mar 2012 12:59:00 CDT</pubDate></item><item><title>IDOT Head Predicts High-Speed Success</title><link>http://www.idothsr.org/#idot_head_predicts_highspeed_success_</link><description><![CDATA[Illinois’ transportation chief says high speed rail will be popular with passengers. ]]></description><pubDate>Wed, 29 Feb 2012 12:16:00 CDT</pubDate></item><item><title>IDOT chief: High-speed rail will be a hit</title><link>http://www.idothsr.org/#idot_chief_highspeed_rail_will_be_a_hit_</link><description><![CDATA[CHICAGO — Illinois’ transportation chief said Monday that high-speed rail will be popular with passengers. ]]></description><pubDate>Tue, 28 Feb 2012 15:33:00 CDT</pubDate></item><item><title>IDOT chief sees challenging future down the road</title><link>http://www.idothsr.org/#idot_chief_sees_challenging_future_down_the_road_</link><description><![CDATA[Ann Schneider, Illinois' first female transportation secretary, has spent almost 25 years in state government putting the public's money to work.

]]></description><pubDate>Mon, 27 Feb 2012 17:36:00 CDT</pubDate></item><item><title>Officials pitch Ill. firms on high-speed rail</title><link>http://www.idothsr.org/#officials_pitch_ill_firms_on_highspeed_rail_</link><description><![CDATA[CHICAGO — The Illinois Department of Transportation is working with the U.S. Department of Transportation and the Federal Railroad Administration to link Midwest manufacturers with railroad projects.]]></description><pubDate>Fri, 17 Feb 2012 15:21:00 CDT</pubDate></item><item><title>Construction on Chicago to St. Louis high-speed rail in progress, to finish by 2014</title><link>http://www.idothsr.org/#construction_on_chicago_to_st_louis_highspeed_rail_</link><description><![CDATA[A new high-speed train connecting St. Louis and Chicago will provide students with an alternative way to travel.]]></description><pubDate>Mon, 06 Feb 2012 16:53:00 CDT</pubDate></item><item><title>LaHood: Still Our Goal To Connect 80 Percent of Americans to High Speed Rail by 2036</title><link>http://www.idothsr.org/#lahood_still_our_goal_to_connect_80_percent_</link><description><![CDATA[The U.S. Transportation Secretary, Ray LaHood, still wants to connect 80 percent of Americans to high speed rail by 2036.  That’s the goal that President Barack Obama laid out in last year’s state of the union.  ]]></description><pubDate>Fri, 27 Jan 2012 12:48:00 CDT</pubDate></item><item><title>U.S. Transportation Secretary LaHood Awards $186 Million to Illinois to Expand High-Speed Rail in the Midwest</title><link>http://www.idothsr.org/#us_transportation_secretary_lahood_awards_186_million_to_</link><description><![CDATA[U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood today awarded more than $186 million to the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) for a high-speed rail project that will reduce travel times and put Americans back to work this spring.]]></description><pubDate>Thu, 26 Jan 2012 14:31:00 CDT</pubDate></item><item><title>Chicago to St. Louis high-speed rail project nearing completion</title><link>http://www.idothsr.org/#chicago_to_st_louis_highspeed_rail_project_nearing_</link><description><![CDATA[The state of Illinois received $186 million from the Federal Government on Wednesday to help complete the $1.1 billion Chicago to St. Louis high speed rail project that will travel at 110 mph and take over an hour off the total trip time. ]]></description><pubDate>Mon, 09 Jan 2012 17:18:00 CDT</pubDate></item><item><title>LaHood awards $186 M to state for rail project</title><link>http://www.idothsr.org/#lahood_awards_186_m_to_state_for_rail_</link><description><![CDATA[CHICAGO — 


U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood today awarded more than $186 million to the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) for a high-speed rail project that will reduce travel times and put Americans back to work this spring.

]]></description><pubDate>Fri, 06 Jan 2012 17:41:00 CDT</pubDate></item><item><title>$186m awarded to Illinois for high speed rail project</title><link>http://www.idothsr.org/#186m_awarded_to_illinois_for_high_speed_rail_</link><description><![CDATA[U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood has awarded more than $186 million to the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) for a high speed rail project that will reduce travel times and ‘put Americans back to work this spring’]]></description><pubDate>Thu, 05 Jan 2012 16:26:00 CDT</pubDate></item><item><title>Environmental Law and Policy Centers Commends Award of More Than $186 Million for High Speed Rail in Illinois from USDOT</title><link>http://www.idothsr.org/#environmental_law_and_policy_centers_commends_award_of_</link><description><![CDATA[CHICAGO, Jan 04, 2012 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- The Environmental Law and Policy Center (ELPC) commends Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood for awarding more than $186 million to the Illinois Department of Transportation ]]></description><pubDate>Thu, 05 Jan 2012 16:25:00 CDT</pubDate></item><item><title>$186M to fund Joliet-to-Dwight high-speed rail </title><link>http://www.idothsr.org/#186m_to_fund_joliettodwight_highspeed_rail_</link><description><![CDATA[JOLIET — The federal government on Wednesday gave a $186 million boost to the future high-speed railway through Joliet.]]></description><pubDate>Thu, 05 Jan 2012 16:22:00 CDT</pubDate></item><item><title>Illinois gets $186 million for rail project</title><link>http://www.idothsr.org/#illinois_gets_186_million_for_rail_project_</link><description><![CDATA[CHICAGO (AP) - The Illinois Department of Transportation is getting $186 million for its high-speed rail project.]]></description><pubDate>Thu, 05 Jan 2012 16:07:00 CDT</pubDate></item><item><title>Illinois gets $186 million for rail project</title><link>http://www.idothsr.org/#illinois_gets_186_million_for_rail_project_</link><description><![CDATA[The Illinois Department of Transportation is getting $186 million for its high-speed rail project.]]></description><pubDate>Thu, 05 Jan 2012 16:04:00 CDT</pubDate></item><item><title>U.S. Transportation Secretary LaHood Awards $186 Million to Illinois to Expand High-Speed Rail in the Midwest</title><link>http://www.idothsr.org/#us_transportation_secretary_lahood_awards_186_million_to_</link><description><![CDATA[U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood today awarded more than $186 million to the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) for a high-speed rail project that will reduce travel times and put Americans back to work this spring.]]></description><pubDate>Wed, 04 Jan 2012 14:42:00 CDT</pubDate></item><item><title>AMTRAK FARE SALE WARMS UP WINTER</title><link>http://www.idothsr.org/#amtrak_fare_sale_warms_up_winter_</link><description><![CDATA[CHICAGO -- Amtrak travel is always a good deal, but for wallets and pocketbooks emptied by holiday spending, Amtrak is offering an even greater deal with discounts of 20 percent for trips in Illinois, Michigan and Missouri through this winter and early spring.]]></description><pubDate>Tue, 03 Jan 2012 13:27:00 CDT</pubDate></item><item><title>Top Stories 2011: High-speed rail upgrades</title><link>http://www.idothsr.org/#top_stories_2011_highspeed_rail_upgrades_</link><description><![CDATA[NORMAL – One of the top stories of 2011 in Central Illinois is high-speed rail upgrades and work on the Uptown Station. But what happened this year?
 
WJBC’s Stephanie Pawlowski has a look.
]]></description><pubDate>Tue, 03 Jan 2012 13:26:00 CDT</pubDate></item><item><title>Amtrak an Alternative to US Airport Security</title><link>http://www.idothsr.org/#amtrak_an_alternative_to_us_airport_security_</link><description><![CDATA[Reports are that this Thanksgiving's travel was not bad, considering the new airport security surprises the TSA put in place not long before the holiday last year ]]></description><pubDate>Wed, 28 Dec 2011 14:36:00 CDT</pubDate></item><item><title>Alton gets grant for multi-modal center</title><link>http://www.idothsr.org/#alton_gets_grant_for_multimodal_center_</link><description><![CDATA[ALTON - The recent announcement that Alton is receiving a federal, $13.85 million grant for a regional train station/multi-modal transportation center came quicker than officials thought would happen, if at all]]></description><pubDate>Wed, 28 Dec 2011 14:34:00 CDT</pubDate></item><item><title>Illinois High-Speed Rail-Issue 4 Fact Sheet now Available</title><link>http://www.idothsr.org/#illinois_highspeed_railissue_4_fact_sheet_now_available_</link><description><![CDATA[The Illinois Department of Transportation in cooperation with partnering organizations, Union Pacific and Amtrak, continues to lead the nation's High-Speed Rail program. 

In an effort to keep you informed, a new fact sheet has just been published. ]]></description><pubDate>Wed, 28 Dec 2011 12:50:00 CDT</pubDate></item><item><title>$177M earmarked for QC-Chicago rail</title><link>http://www.idothsr.org/#177m_earmarked_for_qcchicago_rail_</link><description><![CDATA[U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood on Monday said that more than $177 million will go to the Illinois Department of Transportation for a passenger rail project that will operate twice daily round-trip service between Chicago and the


]]></description><pubDate>Thu, 15 Dec 2011 15:32:00 CDT</pubDate></item><item><title>"Last year we spent more than $40 billion on highways. And Lord knows we need that. But that's more than we spent on Amtrak in its entire 40-year history. "</title><link>http://www.idothsr.org/#last_year_we_spent_more_than_40_billion_</link><description><![CDATA[The nation’s rail system has been criticized by numerous lawmakers for always operating at a deficit and seeking financial boosts from Congress. But when compared with federal highway spending, Amtrak’s balance sheet doesn’t look so bad.]]></description><pubDate>Mon, 05 Dec 2011 14:05:00 CDT</pubDate></item><item><title>Union Pacific Railroad Track Improvement Project from Joliet to Dwight in Will, Grundy, and Livingston Counties, Illinois</title><link>http://www.idothsr.org/#union_pacific_railroad_track_improvement_project_from_joliet_</link><description><![CDATA[The Union Pacific Railroad (UPRR) Track Improvement Project lies along a section of the UPRR track between Joliet and Dwight, Illinois and extends 36 miles across Will County, Grundy County and northeastern Livingston County. ]]></description><pubDate>Mon, 28 Nov 2011 12:01:00 CDT</pubDate></item><item><title>Chicago Amtrak adds ‘Great Dome’ car for Thanksgiving season</title><link>http://www.idothsr.org/#chicago_amtrak_adds_great_dome_car_for_thanksgiving_</link><description><![CDATA[Amtrak is operating all available railcars and locomotives on trains to and from the Chicago area in advance of the Thanksgiving holiday travel season.]]></description><pubDate>Tue, 22 Nov 2011 18:20:00 CDT</pubDate></item><item><title>CHICAGO AMTRAK TRAINS SUPER-SIZED FOR HOLIDAYS</title><link>http://www.idothsr.org/#chicago_amtrak_trains_supersized_for_holidays_</link><description><![CDATA[CHICAGO – Amtrak is operating all available railcars and locomotives on trains to and from the Chicago area in advance of the Thanksgiving holiday travel season.]]></description><pubDate>Fri, 18 Nov 2011 13:56:00 CDT</pubDate></item><item><title>IDOT outlines high-speed rail proposals</title><link>http://www.idothsr.org/#idot_outlines_highspeed_rail_proposals_</link><description><![CDATA[ALTON - The Illinois Department of Transportation held its final of five public meetings across the state Thursday in Alton regarding alternatives for locating three portions of the "high-speed" rail route.

]]></description><pubDate>Mon, 07 Nov 2011 13:01:00 CDT</pubDate></item><item><title>The Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) and the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) host public meetings in Carlinville and Alton, Illinois. </title><link>http://www.idothsr.org/#the_illinois_department_of_transportation_idot_and_the_</link><description><![CDATA[Potential route alternatives for high-speed rail service from Chicago to St. Louis will be presented at a second round of upcoming public meetings hosted by the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) and the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA). ]]></description><pubDate>Wed, 02 Nov 2011 10:10:00 CDT</pubDate></item><item><title>IDOT Meeting About Environmental Impact of Chicago-St. Louis Corridor Set in Joliet </title><link>http://www.idothsr.org/#idot_meeting_about_environmental_impact_of_chicagost_louis_</link><description><![CDATA[JOLIET – The Illinois Department of Transportation and the Federal Railroad Administration have set dates for public meetings regarding the draft environmental impact statement for the Chicago - St. Louis corridor.

]]></description><pubDate>Fri, 28 Oct 2011 15:39:00 CDT</pubDate></item><item><title>IDOT seeks input on high-speed rail</title><link>http://www.idothsr.org/#idot_seeks_input_on_highspeed_rail_</link><description><![CDATA[BLOOMINGTON - The Illinois Department of Transportation is seeking public input for the next phase of the high-speed rail line from Chicago to St. Louis.

]]></description><pubDate>Fri, 28 Oct 2011 15:38:00 CDT</pubDate></item><item><title>JOLIET — State transportation officials want to add more trips for future high-speed rail trains moving from Joliet to St. Louis</title><link>http://www.idothsr.org/#joliet__state_transportation_officials_want_to_add_</link><description><![CDATA[JOLIET — State transportation officials want to add more trips for future high-speed rail trains moving from Joliet to St. Louis.]]></description><pubDate>Fri, 28 Oct 2011 15:34:00 CDT</pubDate></item><item><title>IDOT exploring alternate high-speed rail routes</title><link>http://www.idothsr.org/#idot_exploring_alternate_highspeed_rail_routes_</link><description><![CDATA[BLOOMINGTON — Brian Auer of Normal has always been a fan of railroads and frequently rides the train for business.



]]></description><pubDate>Fri, 28 Oct 2011 15:22:00 CDT</pubDate></item><item><title>Braidwood officials push siding issue with IDOT</title><link>http://www.idothsr.org/#braidwood_officials_push_siding_issue_with_idot_</link><description><![CDATA[One week after representatives from the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) took part in a heated discussion about a possible high speed rail siding in Braidwood, 
]]></description><pubDate>Fri, 28 Oct 2011 15:20:00 CDT</pubDate></item><item><title>High-Speed Rail Future to be Discussed at B-N Public Meeting </title><link>http://www.idothsr.org/#highspeed_rail_future_to_be_discussed_at_bn_</link><description><![CDATA[BLOOMINGTON -- A public meeting has been scheduled where the Illinois Department of Transportation and the Federal Railroad Administration will present several alternative routes for accommodating higher speeds and additional daily round trips between Chicago and St. Louis.



]]></description><pubDate>Fri, 21 Oct 2011 14:36:00 CDT</pubDate></item><item><title>You're Invited to Attend The Tier 1 EIS Public Meetings </title><link>http://www.idothsr.org/#youre_invited_to_attend_the_tier_1_eis_</link><description><![CDATA[Potential route alternatives for high-speed rail service from Chicago to St. Louis will be presented at a second round of upcoming public meetings hosted by the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) and the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA). ]]></description><pubDate>Mon, 17 Oct 2011 17:32:00 CDT</pubDate></item><item><title>Tracks ready for fast trains</title><link>http://www.idothsr.org/#tracks_ready_for_fast_trains_</link><description><![CDATA[Pontiac, Ill. — With track work finishing Tuesday at the Howard Street  crossing, Pontiac’s tracks are ready for high-speed trains.

]]></description><pubDate>Thu, 13 Oct 2011 16:29:00 CDT</pubDate></item><item><title>The Chicago Tribune: Project to fix rail choke point around Chicago begins</title><link>http://www.idothsr.org/#the_chicago_tribune_project_to_fix_rail_choke_</link><description><![CDATA[Work has started on a $133 million project to alleviate train-traffic jams at a Chicago choke point that frequently brings both national freight and local commuter trains to a standstill]]></description><pubDate>Wed, 12 Oct 2011 17:36:00 CDT</pubDate></item><item><title>Project could improve Ill. Amtrak travel times</title><link>http://www.idothsr.org/#project_could_improve_ill_amtrak_travel_times_</link><description><![CDATA[SPRINGFIELD -- State and federal officials broke ground Monday on a major rail project that that could reduce delays for downstate Amtrak riders.
]]></description><pubDate>Wed, 12 Oct 2011 17:33:00 CDT</pubDate></item><item><title>The second round of public meetings for the Tier I EIS (Environmental Impact Statement) has been scheduled. </title><link>http://www.idothsr.org/#the_second_round_of_public_meetings_for_the_</link><description><![CDATA[The second round of public meetings for the Tier I EIS (Environmental Impact Statement) has been scheduled. The purpose of these meetings is to present the alternative routes that have been developed for accommodating higher speeds and additional daily round trips between Chicago and St. Louis. 
]]></description><pubDate>Tue, 11 Oct 2011 10:04:00 CDT</pubDate></item><item><title>30 million riders an Amtrak record</title><link>http://www.idothsr.org/#30_million_riders_an_amtrak_record_</link><description><![CDATA[GALESBURG — Although final figures are not expected to be released until next week, an Amtrak spokesman said Tuesday that the national passenger rail service surpassed 30 million riders for the first time in its history for the fiscal year that ended Sept. 30.


]]></description><pubDate>Wed, 05 Oct 2011 15:12:00 CDT</pubDate></item><item><title>Trail to go around tracks at Uptown Station </title><link>http://www.idothsr.org/#trail_to_go_around_tracks_at_uptown_station_</link><description><![CDATA[NORMAL -- Constitution Trail will take the path of least resistance when it is diverted around the high-speed rail tracks near the transportation center, which will be named Uptown Station.


]]></description><pubDate>Wed, 05 Oct 2011 15:11:00 CDT</pubDate></item><item><title>Constitution Trail Changes, Transportation Center name on Normal's Agenda  </title><link>http://www.idothsr.org/#constitution_trail_changes_transportation_center_name_on_normals_</link><description><![CDATA[
NORMAL -- A decision on a new route for the portion of Constitution Trail that will be displaced by high speed rail could be made during a council work session Monday night.

]]></description><pubDate>Mon, 03 Oct 2011 15:47:00 CDT</pubDate></item><item><title>Transit hub in Normal could be example for Springfield </title><link>http://www.idothsr.org/#transit_hub_in_normal_could_be_example_for_</link><description><![CDATA[NORMAL — The community of Normal is less than a year away from the scheduled opening of a four-story, $43 million transportation hub that will combine train, taxi, bus and other public transportation systems in one downtown location.

]]></description><pubDate>Mon, 03 Oct 2011 15:34:00 CDT</pubDate></item><item><title>Howard Street railroad crossing closes Friday</title><link>http://www.idothsr.org/#howard_street_railroad_crossing_closes_friday_</link><description><![CDATA[Pontiac, Ill. — Pontiac’s Superintendent of Streets and Alleys Chris Brock has explained the detours that will be involved during the time the railroad crossing is closed on West Howard Street.]]></description><pubDate>Fri, 30 Sep 2011 17:28:00 CDT</pubDate></item><item><title>Council backs golf course site for new train station </title><link>http://www.idothsr.org/#council_backs_golf_course_site_for_new_train_</link><description><![CDATA[ALTON - Aldermen suspended rules Wednesday to hurry along Alton's show of support for locating a new high-speed railroad station in the far northeast corner of Robert P. Wadlow Municipal Golf Course.

]]></description><pubDate>Fri, 30 Sep 2011 17:26:00 CDT</pubDate></item><item><title>Amtrak 40th Anniversary Exhibit Train in Chicago This Weekend </title><link>http://www.idothsr.org/#amtrak_40th_anniversary_exhibit_train_in_chicago_this_</link><description><![CDATA[THe Amtrak exhibit train, a unique traveling display showcasing memorabilia from the 40-years of Amtrak railroad history is touring the country and is stopping at Amtrak Union Station in Chicago this weekend. ]]></description><pubDate>Wed, 28 Sep 2011 14:31:00 CDT</pubDate></item><item><title>Senate Panel Advances Kirk Transportation Priorities </title><link>http://www.idothsr.org/#senate_panel_advances_kirk_transportation_priorities_</link><description><![CDATA[WASHINGTON--(ENEWSPF)--September 22, 2011.  U.S. Senator Mark Kirk (R-Ill.) announced today that the U.S. Senate Appropriations Committee adopted several key Illinois infrastructure priorities in the 2012 U.S. Department of Transportation funding bill. ]]></description><pubDate>Fri, 23 Sep 2011 16:34:00 CDT</pubDate></item><item><title>Illinois High Speed Rail Funding Restored </title><link>http://www.idothsr.org/#illinois_high_speed_rail_funding_restored_</link><description><![CDATA[Lawmakers say they have restored $100 million in funding for High Speed and Intercity Passenger Rail grants. U.S. Senator Dick Durbin, along with several other politicians, announced Wednesday that an amendment to the program has been approved by the Senate Appropriations Committee.

]]></description><pubDate>Thu, 22 Sep 2011 14:54:00 CDT</pubDate></item><item><title>Senate panel rejects GOP bid to undercut NLRB</title><link>http://www.idothsr.org/#senate_panel_rejects_gop_bid_to_undercut_nlrb_</link><description><![CDATA[WASHINGTON (AP) - Senate Republicans on Wednesday failed in an effort to undercut the National Labor Relations Board's authority to challenge a company decision on where to locate its work force.

]]></description><pubDate>Thu, 22 Sep 2011 14:52:00 CDT</pubDate></item><item><title>Current state of rail discussed.</title><link>http://www.idothsr.org/#current_state_of_rail_discussed_</link><description><![CDATA[Pontiac, Ill. — A small gathering of about 10 local residents sat in the Pontiac Public Library to hear high-speed rail advocates Susan Rhomberg and Maurice Ball give a presentation on the current state of the high-speed rail system.]]></description><pubDate>Tue, 20 Sep 2011 15:59:00 CDT</pubDate></item><item><title>Rail improvement work finished for this year</title><link>http://www.idothsr.org/#rail_improvement_work_finished_for_this_year_</link><description><![CDATA[Another season of track improvements for high-speed trains between St. Louis and Chicago is finished, meaning an end to buses and detours for this year, Amtrak and state transportation officials said Thursday. ]]></description><pubDate>Tue, 20 Sep 2011 15:18:00 CDT</pubDate></item><item><title>Travel Tip: Amtrak Rail Passes </title><link>http://www.idothsr.org/#travel_tip_amtrak_rail_passes_</link><description><![CDATA[Have you ever heard of an Amtrak rail pass? I bet you haven’t because Amtrak has done a terrible job of letting you know it exists.

]]></description><pubDate>Tue, 20 Sep 2011 15:15:00 CDT</pubDate></item><item><title>Amtrak completes rail track improvement works between Chicago &amp; St Louis</title><link>http://www.idothsr.org/#amtrak_completes_rail_track_improvement_works_between_chicago_</link><description><![CDATA[Amtrak has announced the completion of recent track improvement work between Chicago and St. Louis.]]></description><pubDate>Tue, 20 Sep 2011 15:14:00 CDT</pubDate></item><item><title>Amtrak updates policy on train travel for unaccompanied minors</title><link>http://www.idothsr.org/#amtrak_updates_policy_on_train_travel_for_unaccompanied_</link><description><![CDATA[Updating the current policy, Amtrak is establishing 13 as the minimum age of an unaccompanied minor allowed to travel on its trains. The policy change takes effect on Nov. 1.
]]></description><pubDate>Tue, 20 Sep 2011 15:10:00 CDT</pubDate></item><item><title>La Hood: “Class I’s are good partners” </title><link>http://www.idothsr.org/#la_hood_class_is_are_good_partners_</link><description><![CDATA[In his keynote address at the Opening General Session of Railway Interchange 2011 in Minneapolis Monday, U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray La Hood (top) said that the Class I railroads “are our good partners in developing the President’s vision for high speed rail.”]]></description><pubDate>Tue, 20 Sep 2011 15:08:00 CDT</pubDate></item><item><title>"Tracks are Back" Chicago - St. Louis Celebration </title><link>http://www.idothsr.org/#tracks_are_back_chicago__st_louis_celebration_</link><description><![CDATA[Save 15 percent on Amtrak Lincoln Service travel through October 3. ]]></description><pubDate>Wed, 14 Sep 2011 17:35:00 CDT</pubDate></item><item><title>Obama's jobs plan contains $4 billion for high-speed rail</title><link>http://www.idothsr.org/#obamas_jobs_plan_contains_4_billion_for_highspeed_</link><description><![CDATA[WASHINGTON — President Barack Obama’s new jobs bill contains $4 billion for high-speed rail grants and $2 billion to repair and refurbish Amtrak’s assets in the Northeast Corridor.

]]></description><pubDate>Wed, 14 Sep 2011 10:18:00 CDT</pubDate></item><item><title>Amtrak rolls toward record ridership</title><link>http://www.idothsr.org/#amtrak_rolls_toward_record_ridership_</link><description><![CDATA[Thanks to changes in technology and demographics — not to mention the hassles of air travel — the nation’s railroads are drawing a whole new crowd.

]]></description><pubDate>Wed, 14 Sep 2011 10:17:00 CDT</pubDate></item><item><title>High-speed rail to Duluth gains steam</title><link>http://www.idothsr.org/#highspeed_rail_to_duluth_gains_steam_</link><description><![CDATA[Plans to build a high-speed train line that would connect the Twin Cities with Duluth are gaining momentum.

]]></description><pubDate>Wed, 14 Sep 2011 10:15:00 CDT</pubDate></item><item><title>Jobs bill includes $4B for high-speed rail</title><link>http://www.idothsr.org/#jobs_bill_includes_4b_for_highspeed_rail_</link><description><![CDATA[WASHINGTON -- President Barack Obama's new jobs bill contains $4 billion for high-speed rail grants and $2 billion to repair and refurbish Amtrak's assets in the Northeast Corridor.

]]></description><pubDate>Wed, 14 Sep 2011 10:07:00 CDT</pubDate></item><item><title>2 RR crossings to close for work</title><link>http://www.idothsr.org/#2_rr_crossings_to_close_for_work_</link><description><![CDATA[Pontiac, Ill. — If things go as scheduled, motorists in the city of Pontiac will have to find alternate routes to get around later this week.

]]></description><pubDate>Wed, 14 Sep 2011 10:06:00 CDT</pubDate></item><item><title>Normal rail crossings to be closed</title><link>http://www.idothsr.org/#normal_rail_crossings_to_be_closed_</link><description><![CDATA[NORMAL -- The Mulberry Street and Beech Street railroad crossings will be closed Thursday through Wednesday for track work related to the high-speed rail project.

Mulberry Street (westbound College) traffic will be detoured using Blair Drive, Fort Jesse Road/Willow Street and Linden Street.

]]></description><pubDate>Thu, 01 Sep 2011 13:45:00 CDT</pubDate></item><item><title>Amtrak lets passengers buy train tickets via iPhone app</title><link>http://www.idothsr.org/#amtrak_lets_passengers_buy_train_tickets_via_iphone_</link><description><![CDATA[Amtrak has introduced an iPhone application that lets passengers plan trips, modify existing reservations, check train schedules and buy tickets.

]]></description><pubDate>Tue, 23 Aug 2011 15:13:00 CDT</pubDate></item><item><title>High-speed rail work on track</title><link>http://www.idothsr.org/#highspeed_rail_work_on_track_</link><description><![CDATA[HARTFORD - An army of railroad workers, many from the Union Pacific Railway, began laying the high-speed rail Friday through Hartford, closing Rand Avenue, Seventh Street and Hawthorne Avenue, and briefly closing Robbins Road.

]]></description><pubDate>Tue, 23 Aug 2011 11:36:00 CDT</pubDate></item><item><title>COSTELLO ANNOUNCES DOT FUNDS TO BE USED IN WOOD RIVER</title><link>http://www.idothsr.org/#costello_announces_dot_funds_to_be_used_in_</link><description><![CDATA[WASHINGTON – U.S. Congressman Jerry Costello (D-IL) announced today that the Illinois Department of Transportation has received a $750,000 Railway-Highway Crossing Hazard Elimination in High-Speed Rail Corridors grant through the Federal Railroad Administration ]]></description><pubDate>Mon, 22 Aug 2011 18:08:00 CDT</pubDate></item><item><title>Lincoln Service and Texas Eagle Schedule Change </title><link>http://www.idothsr.org/#lincoln_service_and_texas_eagle_schedule_change_</link><description><![CDATA[Union Pacific Railroad is continuing construction on a four-year High-Speed Rail project between Chicago and St. Louis, affecting the Lincoln Service and Texas Eagle.  ]]></description><pubDate>Mon, 22 Aug 2011 13:07:00 CDT</pubDate></item><item><title>Keystone Service Schedule Change-August 20- August 28 </title><link>http://www.idothsr.org/#keystone_service_schedule_changeaugust_20_august_28_</link><description><![CDATA[Due to track improvements being performed between Lancaster and Parkesburg, westbound Keystone service trains will be affected ]]></description><pubDate>Mon, 22 Aug 2011 13:04:00 CDT</pubDate></item><item><title>U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood Announces $16.9 Million in Grants for Illinois Highway Projects  </title><link>http://www.idothsr.org/#us_transportation_secretary_ray_lahood_announces_169_million_</link><description><![CDATA[U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood Announces $16.9 Million in Grants for Illinois Highway ProjectsFunds will help create jobs by expanding highway repairs, improving safety at rail crossings and studying possible new I-66 alignment

]]></description><pubDate>Thu, 18 Aug 2011 14:49:00 CDT</pubDate></item><item><title>Deerfield Metra station to get $1.7 million upgrade</title><link>http://www.idothsr.org/#deerfield_metra_station_to_get_17_million_upgrade_</link><description><![CDATA[SPRINGFIELD — Illinois will receive more than $16.9 million in federal grants for highway improvement and planning, $1.7 million of which will replace two pedestrian crossing and an underpass at the lakek-Cook Metra station in Deerfield.

]]></description><pubDate>Thu, 18 Aug 2011 14:48:00 CDT</pubDate></item><item><title>US announces $16.9 million in grants to Illinois for highway improvements</title><link>http://www.idothsr.org/#us_announces_169_million_in_grants_to_illinois_</link><description><![CDATA[SPRINGFIELD, Ill. — Illinois will receive more than $16.9 million in federal grants for highway improvement and planning.

]]></description><pubDate>Thu, 18 Aug 2011 14:46:00 CDT</pubDate></item><item><title>Illinois nabs $17 mil. from feds for transportation projects </title><link>http://www.idothsr.org/#illinois_nabs_17_mil_from_feds_for_transportation_</link><description><![CDATA[(Crain's) — Illinois will receive almost $17 million in federal highway grants out of $417.3 million disbursed nationwide, the U.S. Department of Transportation announced Wednesday.

]]></description><pubDate>Thu, 18 Aug 2011 14:43:00 CDT</pubDate></item><item><title>Local view: High-speed trains could solidify Midwest’s future</title><link>http://www.idothsr.org/#local_view_highspeed_trains_could_solidify_midwests_future_</link><description><![CDATA[There is a real need for a modern passenger rail system in this country, but prospects for such a system are threatened by severe governmental cutbacks.

]]></description><pubDate>Thu, 18 Aug 2011 14:24:00 CDT</pubDate></item><item><title>New option added to local railroad consolidation possibilities</title><link>http://www.idothsr.org/#new_option_added_to_local_railroad_consolidation_possibilities_</link><description><![CDATA[Rail planning officials Tuesday threw a new option into the mix of Springfield rail consolidation plans during a meeting at the Prairie Capital Convention Center, surprising some people who attended the event.

]]></description><pubDate>Wed, 10 Aug 2011 12:00:00 CDT</pubDate></item><item><title>DOT Finalizes $336 Million for State Trains</title><link>http://www.idothsr.org/#dot_finalizes_336_million_for_state_trains_</link><description><![CDATA[Money to California, lllinois will fund equipment used in five states 
Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood said California, Illinois, Iowa, Michigan and Missouri will receive $336.2 million under to buy trains for passenger rail corridors in routes shared with freight railroads.

]]></description><pubDate>Mon, 08 Aug 2011 16:08:00 CDT</pubDate></item><item><title>Five U.S. states receive $336M for rail improvements</title><link>http://www.idothsr.org/#five_us_states_receive_336m_for_rail_improvements_</link><description><![CDATA[Help is finally on the way for United States rail.

U.S. Department of Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood said California, Illinois, Michigan, Iowa and Missouri will receive $336.2 million to purchase trains for passenger rail improvements in track shared with freight railroads.

]]></description><pubDate>Mon, 08 Aug 2011 16:06:00 CDT</pubDate></item><item><title>Missouri and Illinois receive money to purchase trains</title><link>http://www.idothsr.org/#missouri_and_illinois_receive_money_to_purchase_trains_</link><description><![CDATA[Washington D.C. (KSDK) - Missouri and Illinois are among states receiving money from the federal government to purchase next-generation trains U.S. Transportation Secretary, Ray LaHood, announced Wednesday. 

]]></description><pubDate>Mon, 08 Aug 2011 16:03:00 CDT</pubDate></item><item><title>Crews improve rail crossings for high-speed service </title><link>http://www.idothsr.org/#crews_improve_rail_crossings_for_highspeed_service_</link><description><![CDATA[
Two area railroad crossings that were closed last week are expected to reopen Monday.

The crossings at Bissell Avenue in Venice and Niedringhaus Avenue in Granite City are scheduled to reopen at 7 a.m., officials said. Crews made track improvements to get ready for high-speed rail service.



]]></description><pubDate>Mon, 08 Aug 2011 16:02:00 CDT</pubDate></item><item><title>LaHood announces money for American-made trains</title><link>http://www.idothsr.org/#lahood_announces_money_for_americanmade_trains_</link><description><![CDATA[U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood today announced that California, Illinois, Iowa, Michigan and Missouri will receive $336.2 million to purchase next-generation, American-made trains that will run on rail corridors in those states. ]]></description><pubDate>Mon, 08 Aug 2011 16:00:00 CDT</pubDate></item><item><title>Illinois In Line For Next-Generation Trains</title><link>http://www.idothsr.org/#illinois_in_line_for_nextgeneration_trains_</link><description><![CDATA[CHICAGO (CBS) — Illinois is in line for funding to purchase some new trains. 

]]></description><pubDate>Mon, 08 Aug 2011 15:56:00 CDT</pubDate></item><item><title>Illinois to Receive Additional Federal Support for High-Speed Rail</title><link>http://www.idothsr.org/#illinois_to_receive_additional_federal_support_for_highspeed_</link><description><![CDATA[The State of Illinois is getting a boost of funds for its high-speed rail projects. U.S. Secretary of Transportation Ray LaHood announced that Illinois is one of five states receiving more than $336 million to buy next-generation trains.

]]></description><pubDate>Fri, 05 Aug 2011 14:57:00 CDT</pubDate></item><item><title>Station Area Planning for High-Speed and Intercity Passenger Rail</title><link>http://www.idothsr.org/#station_area_planning_for_highspeed_and_intercity_passenger_</link><description><![CDATA[Federal Railroad Administration's Office of Railroad Policy and Development has a released a station area planning guideline designed to be a reference tool for state transportation departments and local and regional jurisdictions.

]]></description><pubDate>Tue, 02 Aug 2011 12:13:00 CDT</pubDate></item><item><title>Dwight to Joliet High-Speed Rail Open House</title><link>http://www.idothsr.org/#dwight_to_joliet_highspeed_rail_open_house_</link><description><![CDATA[You are invited to attend an Open House on Thursday, August 4, 2011. Information will be available on the Dwight to Joliet section of the Illinois High-Speed Rail Line. Representatives from IDOT and the Study team will be there to discuss the project and answer your questions.]]></description><pubDate>Fri, 29 Jul 2011 18:56:00 CDT</pubDate></item><item><title>Transportation Nation VIDEO: Your Questions Answered! Ray LaHood’s “On the Go”</title><link>http://www.idothsr.org/#transportation_nation_video_your_questions_answered_ray_lahoods_</link><description><![CDATA[As we reported earlier this month, US Department of Transportation Secretary (and devoted TN reader — check out his yellow tie) Ray LaHood reached out to us to solicit questions for his latest episode of “On the Go,” his monthly video Q&A series. Today he tackles a few of them.

]]></description><pubDate>Fri, 22 Jul 2011 12:48:00 CDT</pubDate></item><item><title>Dwight rail crossing to close for work</title><link>http://www.idothsr.org/#dwight_rail_crossing_to_close_for_work_</link><description><![CDATA[The Illinois Department of Transportation has announced that the Union Pacific Railroad crossing on Illinois Route 47 in Dwight will be closed from 5 a.m. Thursday to 8 p.m. July 25.  Officials say the closure is needed to safely complete at-grade crossing work in the area.    ]]></description><pubDate>Thu, 21 Jul 2011 08:55:00 CDT</pubDate></item><item><title>Illinois Route 47 Road Closing Expected for Rail Work</title><link>http://www.idothsr.org/#illinois_route_47_road_closing_expected_for_rail_</link><description><![CDATA[DWIGHT – IDOT officials announced, weather permitting, the Union Pacific Railroad crossing on IL Route 47 in Dwight will be closed from 5 a.m. on July 21 to 8 p.m. on July 25. The closure is needed to safely complete at-grade crossing work in the area. ]]></description><pubDate>Wed, 20 Jul 2011 13:37:00 CDT</pubDate></item><item><title>Midwest High-Speed Rail Network- Statement of Support </title><link>http://www.idothsr.org/#midwest_highspeed_rail_network_statement_of_support_</link><description><![CDATA[We fully support the vision of an advanced passenger rail network linking cities and towns across the midwest. ]]></description><pubDate>Mon, 18 Jul 2011 15:20:00 CDT</pubDate></item><item><title>Amtrak Service Change </title><link>http://www.idothsr.org/#amtrak_service_change_</link><description><![CDATA[Union Pacific is continuing construction on a four-year High-Speed Rail project between Chicago and St. Louis, affecting the Lincoln Service and Texas Eagle.  ]]></description><pubDate>Wed, 13 Jul 2011 13:19:00 CDT</pubDate></item><item><title>New rails mean new depot</title><link>http://www.idothsr.org/#new_rails_mean_new_depot_</link><description><![CDATA[Pontiac, Ill. — With the reality of high-speed trains looming, Pontiac City Council members learned at their meeting Monday that train service may not be the only thing changing in town.

]]></description><pubDate>Wed, 06 Jul 2011 13:46:00 CDT</pubDate></item><item><title>Illinois High-Speed Rail Corridor Work Schedule  </title><link>http://www.idothsr.org/#illinois_highspeed_rail_corridor_work_schedule_</link><description><![CDATA[Amtrak Lincoln Service and Texas Eagle trains affected in July; alternate transportation plan includes new train connections ]]></description><pubDate>Fri, 01 Jul 2011 09:28:00 CDT</pubDate></item><item><title>Pantagraph.Com: Streets in Normal closing for high-speed rail work</title><link>http://www.idothsr.org/#pantagraphcom_streets_in_normal_closing_for_highspeed_rail_</link><description><![CDATA[NORMAL — If you routinely travel across the Fell Avenue or Broadway railroad crossings, you’ll need to change your route starting Thursday. The two crossings will be closed until July 8 so Union Pacific Railroad workers can install high-speed rails.

]]></description><pubDate>Wed, 29 Jun 2011 11:15:00 CDT</pubDate></item><item><title>States for Passenger Rail Coalition: Illinois Vision </title><link>http://www.idothsr.org/#states_for_passenger_rail_coalition_illinois_vision_</link><description><![CDATA[Illinois’ signature high-speed route is the Chicago to St. Louis corridor.  Of the 35 million plus trips between Chicago and St. Louis, more than 90 percent have origins or destinations in Chicago or St. Louis.]]></description><pubDate>Mon, 27 Jun 2011 11:08:00 CDT</pubDate></item><item><title>Pontiac Daily Leader: Car, Amtrak travel affected</title><link>http://www.idothsr.org/#pontiac_daily_leader_car_amtrak_travel_affected_</link><description><![CDATA[Pontiac, Ill. — At least four railroad crossings just off Old Route 66 between Chenoa and Pontiac have closed in preparation for track improvements to accommodate high-speed rail.

]]></description><pubDate>Fri, 24 Jun 2011 15:45:00 CDT</pubDate></item><item><title>WJBC: Normal railroad crossings closed for high speed rail work</title><link>http://www.idothsr.org/#wjbc_normal_railroad_crossings_closed_for_high_speed_</link><description><![CDATA[The Union Pacific Railroad will close the rail crossings at Fell Avenue and Broadway Street just south of Beaufort Street beginning Thursday, June 30. The crossings will remain closed until Friday, July 8 for track improvements associated with the Illinois High Speed Rail project.
]]></description><pubDate>Fri, 24 Jun 2011 13:48:00 CDT</pubDate></item><item><title>The Herald News:Let’s roll with high-speed rail in Will County </title><link>http://www.idothsr.org/#the_herald_newslets_roll_with_highspeed_rail_in_</link><description><![CDATA[Many reasons can be found to criticize Gov. Pat Quinn, but his commitment to high-speed rail is not one of them.

Soon, people will see the amazing progress occurring on the Amtrak line running from Dwight to Joliet.

]]></description><pubDate>Thu, 23 Jun 2011 15:58:00 CDT</pubDate></item><item><title>Pontiac Daily Leader.Com:Crossing closures announced</title><link>http://www.idothsr.org/#pontiac_daily_leadercomcrossing_closures_announced_</link><description><![CDATA[Pontiac, Ill. — The Pontiac City Council learned Monday night that work is progressing smoothly on the high-speed rail tracks that are being laid from St. Louis to Chicago.

]]></description><pubDate>Tue, 21 Jun 2011 11:26:00 CDT</pubDate></item><item><title>Lincoln Service and Texas Eagle </title><link>http://www.idothsr.org/#lincoln_service_and_texas_eagle_</link><description><![CDATA[Union Pacific Railroad is continuing construction on a 4-year high-speed rail project between Chicago and St. Louis, affecting the Lincoln Service & Texas Eagle. ]]></description><pubDate>Mon, 13 Jun 2011 15:29:00 CDT</pubDate></item><item><title>Track Renewal Train makes progress in Central Illinois </title><link>http://www.idothsr.org/#track_renewal_train_makes_progress_in_central_illinois_</link><description><![CDATA[It’s another sign that high speed rail is on the way to Central Illinois. A Track Renewal Train, or TRT, is making its way north. The machine removes wooden rail ties and replaces them with concrete ties in one swift motion]]></description><pubDate>Wed, 08 Jun 2011 10:14:00 CDT</pubDate></item><item><title>Illinois high speed rail project continues</title><link>http://www.idothsr.org/#illinois_high_speed_rail_project_continues_</link><description><![CDATA[Upgrading of approximately ninety-six miles of railroad track, including installation of a quarter-million railroad ties for future high-speed Amtrak trains, has resumed on the line between Chicago and St. Louis.

]]></description><pubDate>Thu, 26 May 2011 11:31:00 CDT</pubDate></item><item><title>WTTC Summit 2011: Obama administration eyes high-speed rail</title><link>http://www.idothsr.org/#wttc_summit_2011_obama_administration_eyes_highspeed_rail_</link><description><![CDATA[High-speed rail has been earmarked as a key to meeting the USA’s future transport needs, according to US Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood, who was speaking at the WTTC 11th Travel & Tourism Summit in Las Vegas.]]></description><pubDate>Mon, 23 May 2011 16:58:00 CDT</pubDate></item><item><title>Selling High-Speed Rail to the skeptics – USDOT Sec. Ray LaHood talks about strategy and benefits of HSR investments</title><link>http://www.idothsr.org/#selling_highspeed_rail_to_the_skeptics__usdot_</link><description><![CDATA[U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood today announced $2 billion in high-speed rail awards providing an unprecedented investment to speed up trains in the Northeast Corridor, ]]></description><pubDate>Mon, 23 May 2011 16:54:00 CDT</pubDate></item><item><title>High speed rail upgrades come to Bloomington-Normal </title><link>http://www.idothsr.org/#high_speed_rail_upgrades_come_to_bloomingtonnormal_</link><description><![CDATA[The high speed rail upgrades are finally moving through the Twin Cities. Bloomington Public Works Director Jim Karch says the Union Pacific will be shutting down either the Six Points and Miller crossings or the Miller and Washington crossings starting tomorrow.
]]></description><pubDate>Fri, 20 May 2011 16:24:00 CDT</pubDate></item><item><title>Livingston preparing for arrival of new rail</title><link>http://www.idothsr.org/#livingston_preparing_for_arrival_of_new_rail_</link><description><![CDATA[PONTIAC — The Track Renewal Train laying high-speed rail line is expected to be in Livingston County next month, but county leaders already are preparing for the process.

]]></description><pubDate>Fri, 20 May 2011 16:22:00 CDT</pubDate></item><item><title>High-speed trains: A top Obama Administration priority, says US Transport Secretary LaHood </title><link>http://www.idothsr.org/#highspeed_trains_a_top_obama_administration_priority_says_</link><description><![CDATA[LAS VEGAS (eTN) – In his remarks at the ongoing World Travel & Tourism Council’s eleventh Global Travel and Tourism Summit, currently being held in Las Vegas, Nevada, the United States transport secretary, Ray LaHood, has said the Obama administration has big plans to establish high-speed trains.

]]></description><pubDate>Fri, 20 May 2011 16:20:00 CDT</pubDate></item><item><title>High-speed rail work to cause B-N detours today</title><link>http://www.idothsr.org/#highspeed_rail_work_to_cause_bn_detours_today_</link><description><![CDATA[BLOOMINGTON -- The Track Renewal Train is expected to be in Bloomington today, prompting some crossing closures and some changes in Amtrak service.

]]></description><pubDate>Fri, 20 May 2011 16:19:00 CDT</pubDate></item><item><title>Sierra Club: Springfield can benefit from high-speed rail</title><link>http://www.idothsr.org/#sierra_club_springfield_can_benefit_from_highspeed_rail_</link><description><![CDATA[While the Sierra Club has not weighed in on the best route for high-speed rail traffic through Springfield, the group does believe the city can benefit from better train service, a local coordinator said.

]]></description><pubDate>Fri, 20 May 2011 15:51:00 CDT</pubDate></item><item><title>High-Speed Intercity Passenger Rail Program- Midwest &amp; South Region Investments (2009-2011) </title><link>http://www.idothsr.org/#highspeed_intercity_passenger_rail_program_midwest__south_</link><description><![CDATA[The Midwest region is a national leader in planning & developing an integrated, multi-state passenger rail network.  ]]></description><pubDate>Fri, 13 May 2011 12:20:00 CDT</pubDate></item><item><title>Building America’s Future Applauds Secretary LaHood’s Announcement of Additional Rail Infrastructure Funding </title><link>http://www.idothsr.org/#building_americas_future_applauds_secretary_lahoods_announcement_of_</link><description><![CDATA[WASHINGTON, DC— Building America’s Future applauds Secretary LaHood and the Department of Transportation for providing $795 million for the Northeast Corridor (NEC) to support developing a true high-speed rail system in the most densely populated area of the country. ]]></description><pubDate>Fri, 13 May 2011 12:18:00 CDT</pubDate></item><item><title>Fast and the Furious</title><link>http://www.idothsr.org/#fast_and_the_furious_</link><description><![CDATA[An ambitious scheme to link all major American cities within 800 kilometres of one another by high-speed rail before the middle of the century is an achievable goal, according to the United States PIRG, a federation of state Public Interest Research Groups.

]]></description><pubDate>Thu, 12 May 2011 16:25:00 CDT</pubDate></item><item><title>Rochelle company hopes to build high speed rail cars</title><link>http://www.idothsr.org/#rochelle_company_hopes_to_build_high_speed_rail_</link><description><![CDATA[ROCHELLE (WREX) - High speed rail money coming to Illinois could mean business for a company in Rochelle.

]]></description><pubDate>Wed, 11 May 2011 17:12:00 CDT</pubDate></item><item><title>Joliet transportation center plan looks good even if high-speed rail gets iffy </title><link>http://www.idothsr.org/#joliet_transportation_center_plan_looks_good_even_if_</link><description><![CDATA[JOLIET — The Joliet plan to become a high-speed rail hub is moving steadily ahead even if the future of fast trains in the U.S. seems confusing at times.

]]></description><pubDate>Wed, 11 May 2011 17:09:00 CDT</pubDate></item><item><title>Who says America isn't ready for high-speed rail?</title><link>http://www.idothsr.org/#who_says_america_isnt_ready_for_highspeed_rail_</link><description><![CDATA[This morning I announced $2 billion for high-speed rail projects across America, and I have been energized by the tremendous response.

]]></description><pubDate>Tue, 10 May 2011 14:11:00 CDT</pubDate></item><item><title>U.S. Transportation Secretary LaHood Announces $2 Billion for High-Speed Intercity Rail Projects to Grow Jobs, Boost U.S. Manufacturing and Transform Travel in America</title><link>http://www.idothsr.org/#us_transportation_secretary_lahood_announces_2_billion_for_</link><description><![CDATA[WASHINGTON – U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood today announced $2 billion in high-speed rail awards providing an unprecedented investment to speed up trains in the Northeast Corridor

]]></description><pubDate>Mon, 09 May 2011 11:30:00 CDT</pubDate></item><item><title>Michelle Obama Featured in Amtrak Magazine </title><link>http://www.idothsr.org/#michelle_obama_featured_in_amtrak_magazine_</link><description><![CDATA[First Lady Michelle Obama is featured on the cover of the May/June issue of Arrive magazine, a travelers' publication from Amtrak that is placed on trains and in train stations in the Northeast corridor. ]]></description><pubDate>Mon, 09 May 2011 10:13:00 CDT</pubDate></item><item><title>More $$$ for Chicago to St. Louis High-Speed Trains</title><link>http://www.idothsr.org/#more__for_chicago_to_st_louis_highspeed_</link><description><![CDATA[WASHINGTON (AP) __ Amtrak and rail projects in 15 states are being awarded the $2 billion that Florida lost after the governor canceled plans for high-speed train service, the Department of Transportation said Monday.

]]></description><pubDate>Mon, 09 May 2011 10:10:00 CDT</pubDate></item><item><title>Amtrak, 15 states get $2 billion that Florida lost</title><link>http://www.idothsr.org/#amtrak_15_states_get_2_billion_that_florida_</link><description><![CDATA[WASHINGTON (AP) — Amtrak and rail projects in 15 states are being awarded the $2 billion that Florida lost after the governor canceled plans for high-speed train service, the Department of Transportation said Monday.

]]></description><pubDate>Mon, 09 May 2011 10:05:00 CDT</pubDate></item><item><title>Illinois Wins High-Speed Rail Cash That Florida Turned Down, For Chicago-To-St. Louis Line </title><link>http://www.idothsr.org/#illinois_wins_highspeed_rail_cash_that_florida_turned_</link><description><![CDATA[Republican intransigence over government spending has paid dividends yet again in Illinois, as the state has been awarded a sizable chunk of federal dollars rejected elsewhere.

]]></description><pubDate>Fri, 06 May 2011 17:12:00 CDT</pubDate></item><item><title>Illinois Nabs $186 Million in Rejected Florida Rail Funds</title><link>http://www.idothsr.org/#illinois_nabs_186_million_in_rejected_florida_rail_</link><description><![CDATA[Illinois has been notified by the Department of Transportation that it will get another $186 million in rail grants, coming out of $2 billion the DOT is reallocating from funds Florida rejected for a high speed passenger rail project.

]]></description><pubDate>Fri, 06 May 2011 17:10:00 CDT</pubDate></item><item><title>Chicago to St. Louis High-Speed Rail recieves $186 funding </title><link>http://www.idothsr.org/#chicago_to_st_louis_highspeed_rail_recieves_186_</link><description><![CDATA[The US Department of Transportation has awarded $186 million in high speed rail funding to finance track and other improvements on the Chicago to St. Louis corridor between Dwight and Joliet. 
]]></description><pubDate>Fri, 06 May 2011 17:08:00 CDT</pubDate></item><item><title>Illinois gets $186 million for high speed rail</title><link>http://www.idothsr.org/#illinois_gets_186_million_for_high_speed_rail_</link><description><![CDATA[The high speed rail effort between Chicago and St. Louis is getting a $186 million boost from the U.S. Department of Transportation.

]]></description><pubDate>Fri, 06 May 2011 17:06:00 CDT</pubDate></item><item><title>St. Louis-Chicago corridor snags $186 million in high-speed rail funds </title><link>http://www.idothsr.org/#st_louischicago_corridor_snags_186_million_in_highspeed_</link><description><![CDATA[WASHINGTON - Pouncing on another pot of rejected high-speed rail money, Illinois has snagged an additional $186 million to help pay for track and other improvements on the planned St. Louis to Chicago fast-train corridor.

]]></description><pubDate>Thu, 05 May 2011 15:42:00 CDT</pubDate></item><item><title>State to get $186M for Chicago to St. Louis high-speed rail</title><link>http://www.idothsr.org/#state_to_get_186m_for_chicago_to_st_</link><description><![CDATA[If Florida doesn't want federal transportation funds, then Illinois will take some of it.
Gov. Pat Quinn and U.S. Sens. Dick Durbin and Mark Kirk announced Wednesday that the U.S. Department of Transportation has awarded $186 million ]]></description><pubDate>Thu, 05 May 2011 15:17:00 CDT</pubDate></item><item><title>$186M Chugs into Illinois for High-Speed Rail</title><link>http://www.idothsr.org/#186m_chugs_into_illinois_for_highspeed_rail_</link><description><![CDATA[Illinois is calling "all aboard" for more federal dollars for high-speed rail improvements. Gov. Pat Quinn, Sen. Dick Durbin and Sen. Mark Kirk announced Wednesday the U.S. Department of Transportation awarded the Land of Lincoln $186 million 
]]></description><pubDate>Thu, 05 May 2011 15:08:00 CDT</pubDate></item><item><title>Governor Quinn, Senators Durbin, Kirk Announce $186 Million for Chicago to St. Louis High Speed Rail </title><link>http://www.idothsr.org/#governor_quinn_senators_durbin_kirk_announce_186_million_</link><description><![CDATA[CHICAGO – May 4, 2011. U.S. Senators Dick Durbin (D-IL) and Mark Kirk (R-IL) joined Governor Pat Quinn in announcing that the U.S. ]]></description><pubDate>Thu, 05 May 2011 15:06:00 CDT</pubDate></item><item><title>Florida's Rejected High-Speed Rail Funding will Improve Chicago/St. Louis Route </title><link>http://www.idothsr.org/#floridas_rejected_highspeed_rail_funding_will_improve_chicagost_</link><description><![CDATA[ROCKFORD (WIFR) -- A big win for the Illinois High-Speed Rail after Florida says no to federal money. The Land of Lincoln was awarded 189 million dollars of the money Florida turned down for high speed rail. It will be used to build a route from Chicago to St. Louis.

]]></description><pubDate>Thu, 05 May 2011 09:48:00 CDT</pubDate></item><item><title>More High-Speed Rail Money On Its Way To Illinois</title><link>http://www.idothsr.org/#more_highspeed_rail_money_on_its_way_to_</link><description><![CDATA[CHICAGO (WBBM) – More high-speed rail money is on its way to Illinois. WBBM’s Bob Roberts reports that this is the third time since early last year that Illinois has received high-speed rail money.

]]></description><pubDate>Thu, 05 May 2011 09:46:00 CDT</pubDate></item><item><title>STLtoday.com: Illinois wins another $186 million for St. Louis-Chicago high-speed rail</title><link>http://www.idothsr.org/#stltodaycom_illinois_wins_another_186_million_for_st_</link><description><![CDATA[WASHINGTON -- Illinois senators said this afternoon they were notified that a portion of the $2 billion in high-speed rail funding rejected by Florida will be spent along the tracks in Illinois.

]]></description><pubDate>Wed, 04 May 2011 16:49:00 CDT</pubDate></item><item><title>Chicago Tribune:Illinois gets $186M in rail funds Florida rejected</title><link>http://www.idothsr.org/#chicago_tribuneillinois_gets_186m_in_rail_funds_florida_</link><description><![CDATA[About $186 million in federal funding that Florida turned down for high-speed passenger rail has been awarded to Illinois for improvements on part of the 110 mph corridor between Chicago and St. Louis, officials announced today.
]]></description><pubDate>Wed, 04 May 2011 16:35:00 CDT</pubDate></item><item><title>DURBIN, KIRK, QUINN ANNOUNCE $186 MILLION FOR CHICAGO TO ST. LOUIS HIGH SPEED RAIL</title><link>http://www.idothsr.org/#durbin_kirk_quinn_announce_186_million_for_chicago_</link><description><![CDATA[[WASHINGTON, D.C.] – U.S. Senators Dick Durbin (D-IL) and Mark Kirk (R-IL) joined Governor of Illinois Pat Quinn in announcing that the U.S. Department of Transportation has awarded $186 million in high speed rail funding to finance track and other improvements ]]></description><pubDate>Wed, 04 May 2011 16:07:00 CDT</pubDate></item><item><title>Machine helping with high-speed rail transition</title><link>http://www.idothsr.org/#machine_helping_with_highspeed_rail_transition_</link><description><![CDATA[A one-of-a-kind machine that lays the new high-speed rail line from St. Louis to Dwight at a pace of 30 feet per minute is expected to roll into the Twin Cities by mid-May.

]]></description><pubDate>Wed, 04 May 2011 12:02:00 CDT</pubDate></item><item><title>High Speed Rail improvements to hit Bloomington-Normal in two weeks</title><link>http://www.idothsr.org/#high_speed_rail_improvements_to_hit_bloomingtonnormal_in_</link><description><![CDATA[High Speed Rail is expected to live up to its name next month when construction starts through Bloomington-Normal. The Normal Town Council heard an update Monday night on the timeline. ]]></description><pubDate>Tue, 19 Apr 2011 14:00:00 CDT</pubDate></item><item><title>High-Speed Rail Moving Forward Even with Budget Cuts, According to the Environmental Law &amp; Policy Center</title><link>http://www.idothsr.org/#highspeed_rail_moving_forward_even_with_budget_cuts_</link><description><![CDATA[CHICAGO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Rumors of high-speed rail’s demise have been greatly exaggerated, according to Environmental Law & Policy Center (ELPC) Executive Director Howard Learner]]></description><pubDate>Fri, 15 Apr 2011 09:05:00 CDT</pubDate></item><item><title>THE STATE JOURNAL-REGISTER: Dick Durbin: Community has to make rail choice</title><link>http://www.idothsr.org/#the_state_journalregister_dick_durbin_community_has_to_</link><description><![CDATA[During the last mayoral campaign, the candidates were often asked about the future of rail traffic in our hometown. Many things were said but a few important facts were left out of the debate. 
]]></description><pubDate>Wed, 13 Apr 2011 14:34:00 CDT</pubDate></item><item><title>Pantagraph.Com: High-speed rail upgrades intact in budget plan</title><link>http://www.idothsr.org/#pantagraphcom_highspeed_rail_upgrades_intact_in_budget_plan_</link><description><![CDATA[SPRINGFIELD -- Although the federal budget deal is expected to reduce future funding for some high-speed rail projects across the nation, work on the stretch between Chicago and St. Louis remains on track.

]]></description><pubDate>Wed, 13 Apr 2011 14:31:00 CDT</pubDate></item><item><title>CNN: U.S. high-speed rail 'myths' debunked</title><link>http://www.idothsr.org/#cnn_us_highspeed_rail_myths_debunked_</link><description><![CDATA[(CNN) -- Are proposed multibillion dollar high-speed railway projects in the United States a smart move or a huge waste of taxpayer dollars?

]]></description><pubDate>Wed, 13 Apr 2011 14:20:00 CDT</pubDate></item><item><title>Los Angeles Times: Midwest competing with California for high-speed rail funds</title><link>http://www.idothsr.org/#los_angeles_times_midwest_competing_with_california_for_</link><description><![CDATA[Hoping Florida's loss will be their gain, Illinois and neighboring states have applied for some of the $2.43 billion in federal high-speed rail funding that became available after Florida Gov. Rick Scott scuttled plans for fast trains.

]]></description><pubDate>Mon, 11 Apr 2011 13:26:00 CDT</pubDate></item><item><title>USA Today/ Letters: USA will benefit from high-speed rail</title><link>http://www.idothsr.org/#usa_today_letters_usa_will_benefit_from_highspeed_</link><description><![CDATA[During the past two years, I have traveled across the country and listened to the American people's concerns. They are asking us to repair our roads, bridges and transit systems. 
]]></description><pubDate>Mon, 11 Apr 2011 13:24:00 CDT</pubDate></item><item><title>APTA: Federal Investment in High-Speed Rail Could Spur 1.3 Million Jobs  </title><link>http://www.idothsr.org/#apta_federal_investment_in_highspeed_rail_could_spur_</link><description><![CDATA[Washington, DC – April 6, 2011 –The American Public Transportation Association (APTA) released a report detailing the enormous impact high-speed and intercity passenger rail projects will have in driving  job development,  ]]></description><pubDate>Mon, 11 Apr 2011 13:19:00 CDT</pubDate></item><item><title>Lincoln Courier: Union Pacific is here</title><link>http://www.idothsr.org/#lincoln_courier_union_pacific_is_here_</link><description><![CDATA[LINCOLN — Nearly seven months after high-speed rail work began in Illinois, Union Pacific crews have made their way into Lincoln.

]]></description><pubDate>Thu, 07 Apr 2011 17:34:00 CDT</pubDate></item><item><title>States, Amtrak vying for high-speed train money</title><link>http://www.idothsr.org/#states_amtrak_vying_for_highspeed_train_money_</link><description><![CDATA[WASHINGTON -- Twenty-four states, the District of Columbia and Amtrak are vying for $2.4 billion in federal aid that became available when Florida's governor canceled a high-speed rail project in his state, Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood said Wednesday.

]]></description><pubDate>Thu, 07 Apr 2011 17:31:00 CDT</pubDate></item><item><title>Midwest states seek high-speed rail funding</title><link>http://www.idothsr.org/#midwest_states_seek_highspeed_rail_funding_</link><description><![CDATA[Hoping Florida's loss is their gain, Illinois and neighboring states have applied for high-speed rail federal funding that became available after the Sunshine State's governor scuttled plans for fast trains, officials said today.

]]></description><pubDate>Thu, 07 Apr 2011 17:29:00 CDT</pubDate></item><item><title>24 governors appreciate what Florida’s governor refused</title><link>http://www.idothsr.org/#24_governors_appreciate_what_floridas_governor_refused_</link><description><![CDATA[Since the Department of Transportation announced the availability of an additional $2.4 billion for high-speed rail projects last month, governors and members of Congress from both major parties have been clamoring for the opportunity to participate.

]]></description><pubDate>Thu, 07 Apr 2011 17:28:00 CDT</pubDate></item><item><title>Illinois Seeking Two Grants For High-Speed Train Project</title><link>http://www.idothsr.org/#illinois_seeking_two_grants_for_highspeed_train_project_</link><description><![CDATA[SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WBBM) — Illinois is working with three other states to secure nearly $1 billion in the latest redistribution of Obama administration high-speed rail money. 

]]></description><pubDate>Thu, 07 Apr 2011 17:26:00 CDT</pubDate></item><item><title>Statement of U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood on High-Speed Rail</title><link>http://www.idothsr.org/#statement_of_us_transportation_secretary_ray_lahood_on_</link><description><![CDATA[Washington, DC – U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood issued the following statement today regarding the $2.4 billion available for High-Speed Rail: 

]]></description><pubDate>Wed, 06 Apr 2011 17:18:00 CDT</pubDate></item><item><title>Benefits of high-speed rail draw a crowd</title><link>http://www.idothsr.org/#benefits_of_highspeed_rail_draw_a_crowd_</link><description><![CDATA[Since the Department of Transportation announced the availability of an additional $2.4 billion for high-speed rail projects last month, governors and members of Congress from both major parties have been clamoring for the opportunity to participate]]></description><pubDate>Wed, 06 Apr 2011 17:14:00 CDT</pubDate></item><item><title>Lincoln Courier: Rail work to resume today</title><link>http://www.idothsr.org/#lincoln_courier_rail_work_to_resume_today_</link><description><![CDATA[Look for rail crews to hit Lincoln as early as next week as the Union Pacific Railroad resumes its project to replace the track between Chicago and St. Louis in preparation for high-speed passenger trains.

]]></description><pubDate>Mon, 04 Apr 2011 12:44:00 CDT</pubDate></item><item><title>The Republic: Amtrak announces track installation starts on Saturday for central Illinois high-speed rail</title><link>http://www.idothsr.org/#the_republic_amtrak_announces_track_installation_starts_on_</link><description><![CDATA[CHICAGO — Amtrak says 96 miles of tracks and a quarter-million railroad ties are being installed starting Saturday in central Illinois for future high-speed rail service.

]]></description><pubDate>Fri, 01 Apr 2011 15:11:00 CDT</pubDate></item><item><title>You’re Invited to Union Pacific’s High-Speed Rail General Contractor and Sub-Contractor Information Session</title><link>http://www.idothsr.org/#youre_invited_to_union_pacifics_highspeed_rail_general_</link><description><![CDATA[You’re Invited to Union Pacific’s High-Speed Rail General Contractor and Sub-Contractor Information Session, ]]></description><pubDate>Thu, 31 Mar 2011 13:39:00 CDT</pubDate></item><item><title>Forbes: High-Speed Rail Critics Imperil Economic Growth, Bombardier President Says</title><link>http://www.idothsr.org/#forbes_highspeed_rail_critics_imperil_economic_growth_bombardier_</link><description><![CDATA[Opposition to high-speed rail imperils U.S. economic growth, the North America president of a leading train manufacturer said in Chicago Tuesday.

]]></description><pubDate>Wed, 30 Mar 2011 17:28:00 CDT</pubDate></item><item><title>The Kansas City Star: Missouri seeks $1 billion in federal funds to improve passenger rail service</title><link>http://www.idothsr.org/#the_kansas_city_star_missouri_seeks_1_billion_</link><description><![CDATA[JEFFERSON CITY | Missouri is seeking nearly $1 billion in federal funds to continue its push for better passenger rail service between Kansas City and St. Louis]]></description><pubDate>Wed, 30 Mar 2011 17:20:00 CDT</pubDate></item><item><title>The Journal Sentinel: State seeks money for Hiawatha upgrade</title><link>http://www.idothsr.org/#the_journal_sentinel_state_seeks_money_for_hiawatha_</link><description><![CDATA[Less than four months after losing nearly all of an $810 million grant, Wisconsin is again seeking federal high-speed rail money - this time to upgrade the existing Milwaukee-to-Chicago passenger line.]]></description><pubDate>Wed, 30 Mar 2011 17:05:00 CDT</pubDate></item><item><title>The Journal Star: Passenger Rail Planners Eye East-West Corridor</title><link>http://www.idothsr.org/#the_journal_star_passenger_rail_planners_eye_eastwest_</link><description><![CDATA[An East Peoria-to-Normal passenger rail route might be viewed as the first step, but a long-term connection to Champaign and the Quad Cities and beyond could generate the most excitement.

]]></description><pubDate>Wed, 30 Mar 2011 16:58:00 CDT</pubDate></item><item><title>The Epoch Times: Illinois Sees Next Phase In High-Speed Rail</title><link>http://www.idothsr.org/#the_epoch_times_illinois_sees_next_phase_in_</link><description><![CDATA[CHICAGO—Illinois is one step closer to a high-speed rail system. Gov. Pat Quinn recently announced a $685 million agreement for further construction of new rail line linking Chicago and St. Louis. ]]></description><pubDate>Wed, 30 Mar 2011 16:53:00 CDT</pubDate></item><item><title>Union Pacific's High-Speed Rail General Contractor &amp; Sub-Contractor Information Session </title><link>http://www.idothsr.org/#union_pacifics_highspeed_rail_general_contractor__subcontractor_</link><description><![CDATA[Union Pacific, in conjunction with the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT), will be upgrading about 215 miles of existing track from Chicago to St. Louis, as part of the High-Speed Intercity Passenger Rail program. ]]></description><pubDate>Mon, 28 Mar 2011 16:34:00 CDT</pubDate></item><item><title>ABC 7- Chicago to St. Louis Fast Train Project Moves Along</title><link>http://www.idothsr.org/#abc_7_chicago_to_st_louis_fast_train_</link><description><![CDATA[March 22, 2011 (CHICAGO) (WLS) -- Gov. Pat Quinn and Senator Dick Durbin unveiled the next phase of the high-speed rail project for Illinois Tuesday. 

]]></description><pubDate>Wed, 23 Mar 2011 16:57:00 CDT</pubDate></item><item><title>Bloomington Pantagraph- Quinn, Durbin Making High-Speed Rail Announcement</title><link>http://www.idothsr.org/#bloomington_pantagraph_quinn_durbin_making_highspeed_rail_announcement_</link><description><![CDATA[Illinois Gov. Pat Quinn and U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin are announcing a high-speed rail agreement they say will create more than 6,000 jobs.

]]></description><pubDate>Wed, 23 Mar 2011 16:54:00 CDT</pubDate></item><item><title>Progress Illinois- Pols Announce $685 Million For High-Speed Rail</title><link>http://www.idothsr.org/#progress_illinois_pols_announce_685_million_for_highspeed_</link><description><![CDATA[Starting in 2014, Cubs fans can bring a little Wrigleyville to St. Louis -- at least that’s what Gov. Quinn insisted at a press conference to announce a $685 million agreement to begin construction on the next phase of the a rail project connecting the two major Midwest cities...]]></description><pubDate>Wed, 23 Mar 2011 16:51:00 CDT</pubDate></item><item><title>Sun-Times - High-Speed Venture Praised By Illinois Officials</title><link>http://www.idothsr.org/#suntimes__highspeed_venture_praised_by_illinois_officials_</link><description><![CDATA[The next phase of construction on a high-speed rail route between Chicago and St. Louis will begin next month, a high-stakes transportation project that could create more than 6,000 jobs, Gov. Quinn and Sen. Dick Durbin announced Tuesday.

]]></description><pubDate>Wed, 23 Mar 2011 16:48:00 CDT</pubDate></item><item><title>Journal Gazette &amp; Times Courier- Track Upgrades To Bring High-Speed Rail Closer to Illinois Commuters</title><link>http://www.idothsr.org/#journal_gazette__times_courier_track_upgrades_to_</link><description><![CDATA[SPRINGFIELD - The second phase of Illinois' venture into speedier passenger rail service is expected to get under way April 5.

]]></description><pubDate>Wed, 23 Mar 2011 16:45:00 CDT</pubDate></item><item><title>Lincoln Courier News- High-Speed Rail To Pick Up Again Soon</title><link>http://www.idothsr.org/#lincoln_courier_news_highspeed_rail_to_pick_up_</link><description><![CDATA[Chicago — The next phase of construction on a high-speed rail route between Chicago and St. Louis will begin next month, a high-stakes transportation project that could create more than 6,000 jobs, Illinois Gov. Pat Quinn and U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin announced Tuesday.


]]></description><pubDate>Wed, 23 Mar 2011 16:33:00 CDT</pubDate></item><item><title>Illinois Officials Tout High-Speed Rail Construction</title><link>http://www.idothsr.org/#illinois_officials_tout_highspeed_rail_construction_</link><description><![CDATA[The next phase of construction on a high-speed rail route between Chicago and St. Louis will begin next month, a high-stakes transportation project similar to those that other states have rebuffed, Illinois Gov. Pat Quinn and U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin announced Tuesday.

]]></description><pubDate>Wed, 23 Mar 2011 16:30:00 CDT</pubDate></item><item><title>Chicago-St. Louis high-speed rail construction enters next phase</title><link>http://www.idothsr.org/#chicagost_louis_highspeed_rail_construction_enters_next_phase_</link><description><![CDATA[(AP) — The next phase of construction on a high-speed rail route between Chicago and St. Louis will begin next month, a high-stakes transportation project that could create more than 6,000 jobs, Illinois Gov. Pat Quinn and U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin announced Tuesday.

]]></description><pubDate>Wed, 23 Mar 2011 10:19:00 CDT</pubDate></item><item><title>Something to “Like” Illinois High-Speed Rail launches Facebook Page</title><link>http://www.idothsr.org/#something_to_like_illinois_highspeed_rail_launches_facebook_</link><description><![CDATA[The Illinois Department of Transportation has launched a High-Speed Rail Facebook Fan Page. A key planning tool for the Illinois High-Speed Rail Chicago to St. Louis project is a public outreach program to facilitate communication and encourage public participation. ]]></description><pubDate>Tue, 15 Mar 2011 17:18:00 CDT</pubDate></item><item><title>WJBC: How could high speed rail affect the environment?</title><link>http://www.idothsr.org/#wjbc_how_could_high_speed_rail_affect_the_</link><description><![CDATA[The Illinois Department of Transportation and Federal Railroad Administration is taking feedback on a new study. The study focuses on the environmental impact of potential additional improvements to the high speed rail system from Chicago to St. Louis. ]]></description><pubDate>Wed, 09 Mar 2011 13:20:00 CDT</pubDate></item><item><title>Video: Tell Your Senators to Support High-Speed Rail</title><link>http://www.idothsr.org/#video_tell_your_senators_to_support_highspeed_rail_</link><description><![CDATA[A new competitive high-speed rail network will reduce oil consumption, traffic congestion, and global warming pollution. It will also give us all a way to avoid the headaches and pat downs at the airport. In order to make this vision a reality, we need a long-term commitment from Congress.

]]></description><pubDate>Wed, 09 Mar 2011 12:35:00 CDT</pubDate></item><item><title>Lincoln Times: High-speed rail meeting answers concerns for Logan County leaders</title><link>http://www.idothsr.org/#lincoln_times_highspeed_rail_meeting_answers_concerns_for_</link><description><![CDATA[Last September a team of professionals representing the Illinois Department of Transportation, Interstate Commerce Commission and the Union Pacific Railroad
hosted a meeting regarding high-speed rail in Logan County. ]]></description><pubDate>Tue, 08 Mar 2011 15:46:00 CDT</pubDate></item><item><title>IDOT Collects Input About Expansion of High-Speed Rail</title><link>http://www.idothsr.org/#idot_collects_input_about_expansion_of_highspeed_rail_</link><description><![CDATA[With high-speed rail green-lighted for a portion of the Chicago-St. Louis corridor, IDOT officials on Tuesday held an open house in Joliet seeking input on the impact of expanding high-speed rail.

]]></description><pubDate>Tue, 08 Mar 2011 15:27:00 CDT</pubDate></item><item><title>All aboard: Illinois gets moving on High-Speed Rail</title><link>http://www.idothsr.org/#all_aboard_illinois_gets_moving_on_highspeed_rail_</link><description><![CDATA[The governors of Florida, Ohio and Wisconsin have turned down federal funding for high-speed rail service. But in Illinois, the sentiment is  “All aboard.” ]]></description><pubDate>Mon, 07 Mar 2011 09:40:00 CDT</pubDate></item><item><title>Central Illinois News Center: "Chicago to St. Louis High-Speed Rail Gets on Track" </title><link>http://www.idothsr.org/#central_illinois_news_center_chicago_to_st_louis_</link><description><![CDATA[The Illinois Department of Transportation took the initial steps today that will lead to the construction of a high speed rail from Chicago to St. Louis. 
]]></description><pubDate>Thu, 03 Mar 2011 13:12:00 CDT</pubDate></item><item><title>New Environmental Study to Begin For Chicago to St. Louis High-Speed Rail</title><link>http://www.idothsr.org/#new_environmental_study_to_begin_for_chicago_to_</link><description><![CDATA[SPRINGFIELD – The Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) and the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) have recently begun a Tier 1 Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) to study the impacts of potential additional improvements along the Chicago to St. Louis high-speed rail corridor. ]]></description><pubDate>Wed, 23 Feb 2011 17:38:00 CDT</pubDate></item></channel></rss>
