Gov. JB Pritzker and the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) are partnering with Union Pacific Railroad and Metra to re-establish intercity passenger rail service from Chicago to Rockford, with intermediate stops planned in Elgin, Huntley and Belvidere.

This service will provide efficient, safe and reliable transportation operations, with passenger trains traveling at maximum speeds of up to 79 mph, connecting Illinois communities in Cook, Kane, McHenry, Boone and Winnebago.

Passenger service is expected to begin by 2027.

Join the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) at the public meeting Tuesday, Sept. 17, from 4 to 7 p.m., at The Centre of Elgin, to learn more about the Chicago to Rockford Intercity Passenger Rail Program. The public meeting will follow an open-house format with a repeating presentation and exhibit boards available to view. Attendees will also have an opportunity to engage and discuss any questions with the IDOT project team.

For more information, visit Chicago to Rockford | Illinois Passenger Rail (chicagotorockfordrail.org).