Illinois HSR work affects Amtrak Lincoln Service, Texas Eagle
Written by jrood
Upgrading of approximately 96 miles of railroad track, including installation of a 250,000 railroad ties for future high-speed Amtrak trains, will resume May 20. This work will lead to the substitution of chartered motorcoaches for some Lincoln Service trains and the detour of the Texas Eagle between Chicago and St. Louis. The temporary changes will allow Union Pacific crews to improve infrastructure to allow Amtrak service at speeds up to 110 mph, an increase from the current maximum of 79 mph. The Illinois Department of Transportation anticipates operation of some Lincoln Service trains at speeds up to 110 mph next year between Dwight and Pontiac. Until the new trains arrive in a few years, Lincoln Service trains will continue to operate with the current Amtrak cars and locomotives, which are capable of higher speeds. Passenger Service Notices are posted at stations and will be displayed as part of the booking process on Amtrak.com, with updates on the Official Illinois High-Speed Rail Chicago to St. Louis project website, www.idothsr.org.
