Study Process and Schedule

The graphic below illustrates the process and schedule for the Tier 1 EIS. In order to seek federal funding for increasing the daily number of high-speed rail round trips along the corridor, the study's final Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) must be submitted to the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) by the middle of 2012.

Early 2011: Scoping and Purpose & Need —The project is intended to address the constraints of current rail infrastructure, which limit passenger service expansion between Chicago and St. Louis. During this period, existing and planned developments in the corridor will be identified.

Spring - Fall 2011: Preliminary Alternatives —Development of a range of alternatives including: evaluation of new alignments between Chicago and Joliet, through Springfield, and into St. Louis; and, consideration of additional tracks, additional grade crossing treatments, station improvements and potential new stations.

Fall 2011 - Spring 2012: Alternatives Analysis —Evaluation of the preliminary alternatives based on: 1) the ability to accomplish the Purpose and Need for Action; 2) project cost; 3) the comparison of social, economic and environmental factors; and, 4) input from resource agencies and the public.

Spring 2012: Draft EIS — Identification of the preferred alternative(s) with public review and comment.

Fall - Winter 2012: Final EIS & Record of Decision — TThe final EIS will be written and will address all substantive issues raised during the public comment period. It will be submitted to the Federal Railroad Administration for a Record of Decision (ROD).