Section

6

6. Transportation Impacts

TRANSPORTATION 

IMPACTS
Chicago-St. Louis High-Speed Rail 6-1 Tier 1 DEIS 

6.0 Transportation Impacts 

This section describes the transportation impacts expected with the No‐Build and Build

Alternatives.  The Service Development Plan and expected travel benefits are presented.  

Year 2030 ridership projections and operating revenues for passenger rail service are

presented for each alternative.  Projected annual person trips for air, bus, and

automobile intercity travel are also presented.  In addition to the intercity passenger

information, impacts to future freight and commuter rail operations and vehicular traffic

are discussed, including impacts from construction and vehicular impacts associated

with the changes proposed at the highway‐railroad at‐grade crossings in the corridor.

6.1 Service Development Plan 

In accordance with FRA High Speed Rail guidance referred to in 74 Fed. Reg. 29900

(June 23, 2009), this section outlines the Service Development Plan (SDP) for the

potential improvements on the Chicago – St. Louis corridor described by this Tier 1

Environmental Impact Statement.  The following items are addressed within this

subsection:

 Intercity travel options

 Service levels/frequencies

 Capital program needs

 Ridership/revenue forecasted, including number of passengers and

boardings/disembarking at stations

6.1.1 Intercity Travel Options 

Intercity travel by auto, bus, and air represent alternative travel options to high‐speed

intercity rail.  Air travel offers the advantage of relatively shorter time in flight but

further analysis shows that travel to the airport and time required to prepare for

boarding add substantially to total trip time. The time advantage is diminished for trips

under 500 miles and is reduced further for shorter trips.

The private automobile offers extreme convenience with door‐to‐door service. The

perception of cost also makes the auto seem more advantageous than it really is. Most

users only relate to the cost of fuel when evaluating auto usage when comparing to

other modes, however other costs such as depreciation, maintenance and insurance are

usually not considered in a casual evaluation. In part this is because some of these costs

continue to some degree even if the auto is not used. The auto also has a time advantage

but, unlike cost, the factor is usually accurately perceived. The auto becomes more cost

advantageous only if a group is traveling together.

For the Chicago‐St. Louis Corridor, the dominant type of travel is by automobile.

Intercity bus service is available by Greyhound and Megabus. Air travel is also available

via eight different airlines between Chicago and St. Louis, with one carrier providing
Chicago-St. Louis High-Speed Rail 6-2 Tier 1 DEIS 

service between Chicago and Springfield and Chicago and Bloomington/Normal.

Intercity passenger rail service will not replace any of these other modes, but will

supplement them as a viable cost effective option.

In May 2012, based on the various travel and airline websites and purchasing a ticket

one week in advance, the airfare for a one‐way, non‐stop trip from Chicago to St. Louis

ranged from $186 to $447.  Based on the Greyhound and Megabus websites and

purchasing a ticket one week in advance, the bus fare for a one‐way trip from Chicago to

St. Louis ranged from $15 to $39.  With regard to automobile travel costs, based on the

2012 federal mileage reimbursement rate of 55.5 cents/mile and a travel distance of 297

miles, the cost to travel by automobile from Chicago to St. Louis would be $165.  For

comparison, the estimated one‐way fare from Chicago to St. Louis for the high‐speed rail

Build Alternatives would be $39 to $78 (Steer Davies Gleave, 2011).  As a result, the fare

for the Build Alternatives would be up to $107 to $389 less than automobile and airfare

travel costs and $43 to $63 more than bus fare.  Note that the fare for the Build

Alternatives is estimated for the 2030 design year and in 2010 dollars and the other

modes of transportation are for 2012.

Table 6.1‐1 summarizes travel time and cost by mode for the Chicago to St. Louis

Corridor.

Table 6.1‐1.  Travel Times and Costs by Mode of Transportation

Mode Travel Time Fares/Travel 

Costs 

Rail    

No‐Build Alternative 4 hrs 30 min to 4 hrs 45 min $39

Build Alternatives 3 hrs 51 min to 4 hrs 10 min $39‐78

Highway 5 hrs $165

Bus 5 hrs 10 min to 8 hrs 40 min $15‐$39

Air 1 hr to 1 hr 15 min $186‐$447

6.1.1.1 Costs of Travel Options

Intercity travel in the Midwest region is growing rapidly, and the increasing demand for

travel cannot be easily met by existing modes. Regulatory, environmental and budgetary

constraints are making it increasingly difficult to expand highway capacity and, in

particular, to build new highways or expand existing highways.

In the case of air travel, deregulation has resulted in the reduction of service and

significant fare increases on shorter routes. The four major carriers in the region have

increased their average flight length to more than 900 miles and find that flights of less

than 300 miles are costlier and less efficient to operate, usually requiring cross‐subsidy
Chicago-St. Louis High-Speed Rail 6-3 Tier 1 DEIS 

from longer flights. The phasing out of turboprop equipment in favor of regional

turbojet aircraft intensifies this trend.

An analysis was undertaken to test the potential impact on a competitive response by

the airlines to high‐speed rail service. The analysis showed that if the airlines reduced

their fares by 25 percent on routes served by the Midwest Regional Rail System

(MWRRS), high‐speed rail ridership and revenue would fall by only two to three

percent.

Some airlines have also started to analyze their cost structure by flight segment rather

than origin‐destination pairs, that is, a short feeder flight is assessed on its ability to

economically support itself rather than relying on a cross subsidy from a longer distance

connecting segment. Airlines could come to view a properly configured high‐speed rail

system as a replacement for their high‐cost short‐range flights since passengers flying

into or out of Chicago could take the train to St. Louis.

6.1.1.2 Benefits and Impacts of Different Modes of Travel

There are numerous attributes that can be used to qualitatively or quantitatively

describe the benefits and impacts of the travel options available for a given corridor.

These may include benefits or impacts on the public making the trip within the corridor,

potential impacts to those residing within the corridor, physical environmental impacts,

and economic influences on local economies. As described in the previous section, there

are four feasible travel modes: automobile, intercity bus, air travel and intercity

passenger rail.  More details on these travel options are offered below and in Section

2.2.1.

Rail service in this corridor presents the traveling public with a mode option that has

certain unique characteristics. Automobile travel totally occupies the attention of the

driver making the accomplishment of other tasks not possible or extremely dangerous.

Commercial aviation severely curtails the choice of destinations. Intercity bus offers a

wider range of destinations than air travel in the corridor but has not gained the

acceptance of the economically prosperous customer base. While both intercity bus and

air service offer limited seating space, rail travel offers comfortable seating

configurations, a choice of intermediate destinations, and the ability for business

travelers to work and communicate while en route.

Recent events have highlighted the volatility in pricing of liquid petroleum fuels. The

inherent low‐rolling resistance of rail and its reduced energy demands can account for

proportional reductions in emissions of pollutants associated with petroleum fuels.

The majority of intercity automobile travel in the Chicago ‐ St. Louis Corridor is

concentrated on Interstate 55 (I‐55), which primarily runs parallel to the Chicago ‐ St.

Louis Amtrak route. A new four‐lane I‐70 Mississippi River bridge is being constructed

at St. Louis that will provide additional highway capacity between Missouri and Illinois.
Chicago-St. Louis High-Speed Rail 6-4 Tier 1 DEIS 

This will provide some congestion relief for I‐55 which currently shares the Poplar Street

bridge with I‐70, I‐64, I‐44 and US 40.1

Direct, intercity bus service on the corridor is provided by Greyhound and Megabus. It

is assumed that the number of bus trips would increase proportionately with the

projected growth of bus travel demand in the corridor. It is also assumed that the

number of corridor air service flights would increase proportionately to the projected air

travel demand growth in the Corridor.  Ultimately, this could change if the airlines find

shorter corridor routes cost prohibitive.

6.1.1.3 Risks Associated with Different Modes of Travel

In the United States, 2008 was the first year traffic fatalities dropped below 40,000 in

close to 50 years. Traffic death is the number one cause of death in persons aged five to

27. Approximately 100 times the fatality rate are injured and ten times the number are

seriously injured due to crashes. Weather conditions have an adverse effect on crash

rates and the lack of enforceable regulations do nothing to deter drivers from continuing

travel in severe conditions.

Commercial air travel has proven to be a very safe mode. Aircraft can safely fly over,

around or even through all but severe meteorological conditions, although passenger

fear becomes a factor. A degree of this safety is derived from the highly‐trained air

crews and the professional judgment brought to bear, and also the advanced weather

monitoring systems and a set of enforceable regulations that limits flight in unsafe

circumstances. The experienced air traveler knows that safety has a price in delayed or

cancelled flights, unexpected stranding in mid‐trip, and other inconveniences that can

make air travel less than pleasant.  These factors affect on‐time performance of air travel

and can substantially increase trip length with little predictability.

Passenger rail’s safety record is also very good and is not as sensitive to foul weather

conditions. Rail vehicles successfully navigate all but the most severe wind, ice, snow or

flood conditions. Passengers also have a greater sense of safety in unsettled conditions.  

No significant risks are anticipated with this program for rail system infrastructure

improvements. The rail infrastructure improvements would be made on existing

railroad property. Property would be required for some of the new passing sidings and

upgraded station facilities, but there is expected to be significant community support for

stations, lessening the likelihood of property acquisition issues.

The trackwork and station site upgrades included with the program are not atypical or

complicated for railroad infrastructure upgrade projects, and are not anticipated to

present any significant construction or schedule risk. Development of the new signal

and communications technologies to be deployed is progressing.

                                                     

1 http://newriverbridge.org/
Chicago-St. Louis High-Speed Rail 6-5 Tier 1 DEIS 

6.1.1.4 Sustainability

System Sustainability

IDOT and UP have a significant and long‐standing record of achievement in terms of

making improvements to the corridor, including upgrades to existing track and signals

and grade crossing improvements.  New commitments made in 2010 and 2011 as part of

a Grant Agreement with FRA, including significant infrastructure work now underway

that will provide train operations at up to 110mph, is further demonstration of this

partnership.  

In 2006, IDOT increased the number of trains it supported from one to three daily round

trips of the “Lincoln Service” in the Chicago – St. Louis corridor.  The high‐speed rail

service will largely replace this current conventional service with the ability to attract

higher ridership and revenue with improved trip times and reliability and new

equipment IDOT has demonstrated a significant, sustained commitment to supporting

and expanding rail transportation options throughout the state and on key corridors

throughout Amtrakʹs existence.  The Stateʹs recent doubling of support on three

corridors (including Chicago – St. Louis) has achieved substantial results in terms of

increased train frequency and ridership over the past two years.  IDOT also has a

sustained history of having supported major capital improvements on passenger rail

corridors throughout the state, including implementation of state of the art signaling

and grade crossing protection systems, as well as major track improvement projects.   

IDOT and UP developed an agreement during 2010 to begin the process of improving

the Chicago – St. Louis corridor to accommodate the implementation of high speed

intercity passenger rail.  A Service Outcomes Agreement was executed by IDOT and UP

on December 20, 2010 to reflect improved operations as a result of these improvements.

This is another major milestone for the program, as it sets forth a 20‐year term of

agreement, whereby UP agrees to reliability targets, and to not to abandon the rail line

and to maintain access to the line.  In addition, IDOT and UP have agreed that service

agreements will be binding on any new owner of the corridor or lessee for partial or full

sale or for assignment or lease of the line.

IDOT will participate in on‐going maintenance costs incurred as a result of high speed

rail operation including such items as the inspection and maintenance of track, signal

and communications, and other facilities.  UP and IDOT executed a maintenance

agreement on March 22, 2012 which addresses this matter. Maintenance costs for this 20‐

year agreement will begin upon completion of the current funded project.  UP will

maintain the section from Joliet to Godfrey Illinois at Class 6 standards (110 mph

passenger).  The section from Godfrey to Q Tower will be maintained at Class 4

standards (80 mph passenger).  Per the agreement, the parties will create a 20‐year

maintenance plan and 20‐year budget.  Each year, these budgets can be amended by

mutual agreement of the parties.  UP will perform both scheduled and unscheduled

maintenance (as needed).  UP’s cost contribution is based on its historic experience of

maintaining similar track segments for freight to normal Class 4 standards.  Its

contribution is based on gross ton miles (subject to an annual adjustment); said

contribution, however, will not be less than $2 million annually. IDOT’s financial
Chicago-St. Louis High-Speed Rail 6-6 Tier 1 DEIS 

contribution will be the maintenance costs in excess of Class 4 standards.  IDOT will

make equal monthly maintenance payments into an escrow fund.  There will be an

annual reconciliation of the party’s cost contributions.  After 60 months of data

collection, the cost formula will be adjusted, if necessary.

Environmental Sustainability

The rehabilitation of the rail stations presents opportunities for improving energy

performance, minimizing water use, improving construction practices, and selecting

materials with good life cycle assessments.  The stations and rail facilities will be

considered as whole buildings, with interrelated buildings systems that deliver high‐

performance.  Green design principles can inform this process by guiding the designers

to consider the most environmentally optimal solution for the buildings, and consider

how the buildings can improve and enhance the environment they are built in.

IDOT will also require (where it is practical) that stations and related facilities are

designed and built using the US Green Building Council’s Leadership in Energy and

Environmental Design (LEED) rating system.  When identified as a goal early in

development, rail facilities can achieve Silver or Gold certifications.

Design teams for the buildings associated with the Corridor project will consider energy

savings strategies for lighting, heating and cooling, in addition to organizing the project

to reduce construction waste, improve water efficiency, select materials with good life

cycle assessment ratings, consider natural ventilation and daylight, enhance the indoor

air quality and use low volatile organic compounds (VOC) products.

LEED V3 has advanced the assessment of sustainability to explicitly measure important

GHG reduction strategies for buildings.  Design teams will design to current American

Society of Heating, Refrigeration, and Air conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) standards,

and client teams will work to properly site and program building locations in order to

achieve this aggressive rating standard.  

Green design practices are a part of the 2004 ROD improvements.  Outside of the

buildings in the system, the rail systems themselves are being designed and delivered in

a way that respects the environment through which they run.  For example, the new

rolling stock to be procured as part of the 2004 ROD improvements will feature

improved emissions and fuel economy, compared to existing equipment.

6.1.1.5 Corridor Development Synergies

The Chicago‐St. Louis high speed rail service would provide options for an alternative

means of travel for employment, business or vacation.  This service would be an integral

part of the Midwest’s high‐speed intercity passenger rail system, providing additional

connections through Chicago to other Midwest and national railroad destinations.  With

Chicago being the hub of the MWRRS, the Chicago‐St. Louis service would provide

connections between the cities and towns served within the corridor to the rest of the

MWRRS.  Passenger rail travel would be available and practical between St. Louis,

Springfield and other cities and communities along the Chicago – St. Louis corridor, and
Chicago-St. Louis High-Speed Rail 6-7 Tier 1 DEIS 

all other routes and destinations to be served by the MWRRS including Milwaukee, WI;

Dubuque, IA; Detroit, MI; Kansas City, MO; Cleveland, OH; Cincinnati, OH; and others.

The Chicago – St. Louis high‐speed intercity passenger rail service will afford the

opportunity to:

 Achieve significant reductions in travel times and improve service reliability,

 Introduce an alternative to auto travel to many small towns and cities of the

Midwest that lack travel choices,  

 Introduce a regional passenger rail system designed to generate significant revenues

towards addressing its operating costs, and

 Provide major capital investments in rail infrastructure to improve passenger and

freight train efficiency, safety and reliability on shared rights‐of‐way.

The improvements to the Chicago – St. Louis Corridor are expected to create significant

near‐term economic benefits in the corridor in addition to the State of Illinois and other

regions of the United States.  The Chicago – St. Louis Corridor’s economic benefits from

the program would be driven by an increase in construction spending in the region.  

These expenditures would generate a short term increase in demand for construction‐

related labor and material as well as engineering and technical services in the corridor.  

In addition, as part of the program, it is anticipated that rolling stock would be

procured.  While it is not yet known where the rolling stock would be manufactured, the

program would generate additional economic benefits in that region as well.

Based on the estimated capital construction expenditure, it is estimated that

approximately 5,861 direct and indirect engineering, construction and other short‐term

jobs would be generated within the corridor as a result of this program.  The associated

estimated earnings for these jobs are $92,922,000 and the projected resulting economic

output is $1,347,708,000.

For ongoing job creation, it is estimated that the annual operations and maintenance

budget for the Chicago ‐ St. Louis Corridor Intercity Passenger Rail Service would

generate 407 jobs with an earnings of $23,342,000 and an economic output of $98,247,000.  

The Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA) Regional Input‐Output Modeling System

(RIMS II) was used to generate the employment forecasts.   

6.1.2 Service Levels and Frequency 

The Build Alternatives would enable the existing passenger rail service to be expanded,

with operation of 18 trains per day (9 daily round trips), seven days per week.  The daily

service is currently assumed to include the following Amtrak trains:

 High Speed Express Trains – Five southbound and four northbound trains per day

 High Speed Standard – Three southbound and four northbound trains per day

 “Texas Eagle” long distance service – One round trip per day
Chicago-St. Louis High-Speed Rail 6-8 Tier 1 DEIS 

Table 6.1‐2 provides currently assumed travel time information for the corridor service

for southbound trains under existing, No‐Build, and Build conditions.  Similar end‐to‐

end travel times are expected for northbound trains.  This table does not apply to the

long distance Texas Eagle.

Table 6.1‐2.  Chicago–St. Louis Intercity Passenger Rail Service Representative Travel

Times – Southbound

Station 

Existing No-Build Build Alternatives 

Lincoln 

Service 

303 

HSR 

Express 

HSR 

Standard 

HSR 

Express 

HSR 

Standard 

Chicago 0:00 0:00 0:00 0:00

Joliet 0:50 0:50 0:53 0:45 0:45

Dwight 1:24  ‐‐‐ 1:22 ‐‐‐ 1:12

Pontiac 1:41  ‐‐‐ 1:36 ‐‐‐ 1:28

Normal‐

Bloomington 2:14 1:53 1:57 1:43 1:53

Lincoln 2:45  ‐‐‐ 2:26 ‐‐‐ 2:19

Springfield 3:25 2:41 2:49 2:27 2:44

Carlinville 4:03  ‐‐‐ 3:19 ‐‐‐ 3:14

Alton 4:34 3:34 3:49 3:16 3:42

St. Louis 5:35 4:30 4:45 3:51 4:10

Any revisions to these run times for the No‐Build Alternative are subject to mutual

agreement of the FRA, IDOT, UP and Amtrak.

6.1.2.1 Railroad Operation Performance

Overall Chicago to St. Louis Corridor Performance

To assess future railroad operations and assist in determining necessary infrastructure

improvements, operation analyses have been performed for this program.  The UP

initially completed an analysis of the corridor between Chicago and E. St. Louis in

support of the October 2009 FRA funding application.  Subsequently, the UP completed

additional preliminary analysis of the E. St. Louis to St. Louis section of the corridor.  

Finally, in direct support of this Tier 1 EIS, operational analyses were completed for the

two alternative routes between Chicago to Joliet.  Since the UP’s operational analyses
Chicago-St. Louis High-Speed Rail 6-9 Tier 1 DEIS 

did not include the Rock Island District route, it was determined that new analyses of

both routes between Chicago and Joliet should be completed so that each route could be

evaluated at the same level of detail.

The results of the simulation and operations analysis performed for the alternatives that

supported the current Cooperative Agreement reveal that performance will be

improved. As expected, the greatest improvements will come with the completion of the

Build Alternatives. Current passenger service in the corridor requires between 5 hours

and 20 minutes and 5 hours and 57 minutes between Chicago and St. Louis. Following

the completion of the 2004 ROD improvements (under construction as of 2012), which is

included in the No‐Build Alternative for this analysis, the one‐way travel time for a

standard HSR train will be approximately 4:45 hours.  

When the improvements associated with the Build Alternatives are completed, the one‐

way travel time would be as low as 3 hours and 51 minutes for express trains regardless

of alternative. This is a time reduction of about 30 minutes compared to the No‐Build

Alternative express trains.  As discussed later in this section, the Build Alternative

would also provide the capacity for the additional trains and improve reliability.   

A large number of trains are projected to be operating in the corridor under the Build

Alternatives between Joliet and St. Louis where the corridor is primarily single track.  At

the projected train frequencies, it was envisioned that two main tracks would be

required to increase passenger service, maintain passenger service reliability and to

maintain No‐Build condition freight levels of service.  As sensitivity analysis to support

this assumption, UP evaluated the full double tracking of the corridor and then also

evaluated the corridor if two segments of the route remained with single track.  These

two segments are located in the Macoupin Bottoms and near Alton, where construction

may be more costly and impacts more significant, and they total 16 miles.  Based on the

UP analysis, on time performance would be reduced by approximately five percent and

travel time would increase by four to five minutes on average with the removal of the 16

miles of double track.  Additional, more detailed operational analyses regarding

potential capacity improvements will be performed in the Tier 2 studies if this program

is advanced.

Stringline diagrams were produced that provide a graphic representation of the results

of the operational analyses performed.  These stringline diagrams are used throughout

this section to show the potential conflicts where meets and passes may occur such that

operations and schedules may be adjusted to maximize efficiencies and reduce the

potential for delays and were used to identify improvements.  The results of the

operational analyses lead to the conclusion that the proposed schedules and service are

viable and can be successfully operated in conjunction with the existing and proposed

freight operations.  

No‐Build Alternative

As described in Section 3.2.1, the No‐Build Alternative assumes implementation of the

2004 ROD improvements which include the reconstruction of passing tracks,
Chicago-St. Louis High-Speed Rail 6-10 Tier 1 DEIS 

construction of 24 miles of new second track, and an upgrade to 110 mph capable main

track between Joliet and Alton, the installation of positive‐train control (PTC), and other

improvements.  According to the capacity simulations done as part of the October 2009

FRA funding application, the 2004 ROD improvements (which are assumed to be

completed under the No‐Build Alternative) were expected to reduce delays to corridor

trains by 50 percent over current conditions

Currently, very few freight trains traverse the entire corridor, though this will grow over

the coming years as the overall economy grows, and as UP’s traffic builds to and from

their relatively new Joliet Intermodal Facility.  In general, freight traffic is currently

higher on the southern portions of the corridor. Forecasted no‐build scenario operating

conditions were provided by UP for the entire corridor.  

On the existing Amtrak/Metra Heritage/ Canadian National (CN) route between

Chicago and Joliet (i.e., Section 1), the train operations assumed by UP in their

operations analysis are listed in Table 6.1‐3.  Exhibit 6.1‐1 shows the Amtrak/Metra

Heritage/CN route between Chicago and Joliet. Exhibit 6.1‐2 shows the railroads, major

junctions, and freight yards between Chicago and Joliet.

Table 6.1‐3.  Trains per Day ‐ Chicago to Joliet (Section 1)

Type of Train Current Quantity Assumed No-Build Quantity

Amtrak/IDOT Corridor 8 No change

Amtrak “Texas Eagle” 2 No change

Metra‐Heritage Corridor 6 No change

CN – Local/Through Freights 8 No change

UP Intermodal (Argo) 0 8

UP Merchandise (Argo) 0 2

Total 24 34

Cross‐traffic at rail‐rail grade crossing diamonds is significant on this section.  For the

Chicago‐Joliet section now owned by Canadian National (CN), the following locations

and daily volume of trains are:

 Brighton Park (Norfolk Southern (NS)/CSX Corporation) – 59 trains 

 Corwith (BNSF Railroad Company) – 38 trains 

 LeMoyne (Belt Railway Company of Chicago (BRC)) – 36 trains 

 Argo (Indiana Harbor Belt Company (IHB)) – 54 trains 

 Joliet UD Tower (Metra) – 62 trains 

UP and the IHB expect to interchange traffic at Argo where a new rail connection is

under construction as of 2012.  As noted in the table, it is projected that some future UP

trains would operate over the CN to and from Argo where they would access the IHB  
Exhibit 6.1-1. Rail to Rail Crossings – Chicago to Joliet (Build Alternative Section 1) 
Exhibit 6.1-2 Railroads Between Chicago and Joliet

Chicago

Union

Station

Metra Heritage

Corridor

Metra Rock Island

District

Source: IDOT, 2006

NOT TO SCALE
Chicago-St. Louis High-Speed Rail 6-13 Tier 1 DEIS 

On the existing Metra Rock Island District route between Chicago and Joliet (i.e., Section

2), the train operations are listed in Table 6.1‐4.  Exhibit 6.1‐3 shows the Metra Rock

Island District route between Chicago and Joliet.

Table 6.1‐4.  Trains per Day ‐ Chicago to Joliet (Section 2)

Type of Train Current Quantity Assumed No-Build Quantity 

Metra‐Rock Island District 69 (maximum; varies along

route)

No change

Local/Through Freights 6 No change

Total 75 75

There is one rail‐rail grade crossing in this section at the Elgin, Joliet, and Eastern (EJ&E)

Railway in Joliet.  Approximately 15 trains use this crossing daily over the EJ&E tracks.

The UP Joliet Subdivision (Joliet to Bloomington) train operations along the corridor

under the No‐Build Alternative assumed by UP in their operations analysis are listed in

Table 6.1‐5.

Table 6.1‐5.  Chicago‐St. Louis Train Operations on the UP Joliet Subdivision (Joliet

to Bloomington)

Type of Train Current Quantity Projected No-Build Quantity 

Amtrak/IDOT Corridor 8 No change

Amtrak “Texas Eagle” 2 No change

UP Intermodal 0 15

UP Merchandise (Argo) 0 2

UP Coal (Plaines) 2 No change

UP Grain 1 No change

UP Local Freight 2 No change

Total 15 24
Exhibit 6.1-3. Rail to Rail Crossings – Chicago to Joliet (Build Alternative Section 2) 
Chicago-St. Louis High-Speed Rail 6-15 Tier 1 DEIS 

It is recognized that the new Joliet Intermodal Facility will be a significant driver of

freight traffic on the corridor in the future.  In terms of traffic into and out of the Joliet

Intermodal Facility, the UP operation analyses assumed the following:

 Five northbound trains per day originating from the intermodal facility;

 Two northbound trains per day operating past the intermodal facility;

 Four southbound trains per day operating into the intermodal facility; and

 Three southbound trains per day originating from the intermodal facility.

The intermodal traffic is originating from/destined for the south and southwest United

States depending on a variety of economic and operating factors.

Cross‐traffic was also modeled for the UP Joliet Subdivision.  It should be noted that UP

controls the interlockings at these crossings, so will be in position to avoid delays to

passenger services as a result of these crossing movements.  The following locations and

daily volume of freight trains included:

 Dwight (NS) – 12 trains (trains were modeled throughout the day with the periods in

between moves ranging from one to five hours)

 Chenoa (Toledo, Peoria & Western Railroad (TP&W)) – 2 trains (trains were modeled

in the midday)

 Bloomington (NS) – 6 trains (trains were modeled throughout the day with the

periods in between moves ranging from one to seven hours)

Freight train flows on the UP Springfield Subdivision (Bloomington to East St. Louis)

can be considered in three distinct route segments: between Bloomington and Ridgley;

between Ridgley and Godfrey; and between Godfrey and the WR Tower (MP 275.4).  

Train operations assumed by UP for their operations analysis for these areas are listed in

Tables 6.1‐6, 6.1‐7, and 6.1‐8.

Table 6.1‐6.  Chicago‐St. Louis Train Operations on the UP‐Springfield Subdivision

(Bloomington to Ridgley)

Type of Train Current Quantity Assumed No-Build Quantity 

Amtrak/IDOT Corridor 8 No change

Amtrak “Texas Eagle” 2 No change

UP Intermodal 0 15

UP Merchandise 1 3

UP Grain 1 No change

UP Local Freight 1 No change

Total 13 22
Chicago-St. Louis High-Speed Rail 6-16 Tier 1 DEIS 

Table 6.1‐7.  Chicago‐St. Louis Train Operations on the UP‐Springfield Subdivision

(Ridgley to Godfrey)

Type of Train Current Quantity Projected No-Build Quantity 

Amtrak/IDOT Corridor 8 No change

Amtrak “Texas Eagle” 2 No change

UP Intermodal 0 15

UP Merchandise 3 5

UP Grain 2 No change

UP Local Freight 1 No change

Total 16 27

Table 6.1‐8.  Chicago‐St. Louis Train Operations on the UP‐Springfield Subdivision

(Godfrey to WR Tower)

Type of Train Current Quantity Projected No-Build Quantity 

Amtrak/IDOT Corridor 8 No change

Amtrak “Texas Eagle” 2 No change

UP Intermodal 0 15

UP Merchandise 3 5

UP Grain 2 No change

UP Local Freight 1 No change

KCS (Godfrey) 4 No change

Total 20 29

Cross‐traffic at a crossing is significant on the UP Springfield Subdivision at Iles (MP

187.4) (NS) with 23 trains.  This is not a diamond configuration, but occurs via

crossovers.  

UP expects to begin routing some intermodal trains to/from their new Joliet Intermodal

Facility at Elwood south of Joliet via the HSR corridor during the late summer of 2012

and expects to increase the number of trains (adding some running south from the Joliet

Intermodal Facility) in succeeding years.  The modernized Panama Canal can be

expected to direct more Asian container traffic to Gulf Ports such as Houston rather than

the West Coast ports.  For inland destinations in the Midwest, rail is expected to be the

dominant mode of land transport.
Chicago-St. Louis High-Speed Rail 6-17 Tier 1 DEIS 

Since the corridor has limited freight traffic, meets between passenger trains are a

primary source of delay on this single track corridor.  This is especially true between

Dwight and Joliet.  Components of the 2004 ROD improvements included in the No‐

Build Alternative are slated to improve these challenges, but meets will continue to

constrain passenger trains.  The northbound “Texas Eagle” can also be a source of

operational delays if its on‐time arrival at St. Louis has been compromised farther south

as often is the case.  As noted elsewhere in this plan, Amtrak has been discussing

operational changes (frequency, routing, etc.) for the “Texas Eagle” with the UP; these

revisions may affect the train’s operation on the HSR corridor under the No‐Build

Alternative.

Build Alternatives

Based on discussions with the railroads and previous analyses, improvements included

with the Build Alternatives were developed to address the program’s purpose and need.  

A complete description of the improvements included with the Build Alternatives is

provided in Section 3.3.7 of this Tier 1 EIS.  These improvements generally include:

 Construction of additional main track, resulting in at least two main tracks over the

entire corridor where it will not already be in place under the No‐Build Alternative.

 Capacity improvements between Chicago and Joliet along either potential route.

 Flyovers at existing rail‐rail crossings between Chicago and Joliet.  Four flyovers (at

Brighton Park, Corwith, LeMoyne, and Argo) in Section 1 and one flyover (at the

EJ&E) in Section 2.

 Flyover at Iles with NS just south of Springfield.

 Construction of a new bridge in the MacArthur Bridge area in St. Louis.

 Additional improvements are proposed to address the additional needs in

Springfield.  These improvements are discussed in Volume II of this Tier 1 Draft EIS.

Under the Build Alternatives, intercity passenger rail service would consist of eight HSR

trips per day operating at speeds up to 110 mph and the continuance of the Amtrak

Texas Eagle service (one round trip per day).  The proposed HSR improvements are

envisioned to:

 Improve intercity passenger rail service on‐time performance while maintaining

projected baseline freight and commuter service levels.

 Provide sufficient capacity to accommodate the increased passenger frequencies.

 Maintain UP’s capacity for existing and forecasted freight traffic.

 Perform track maintenance operations to be accomplished without devastating

schedule performance effects.
Chicago-St. Louis High-Speed Rail 6-18 Tier 1 DEIS 

The ability to efficiently perform maintenance operations is dependent on spacing of

main and siding tracks at 20‐foot track centers, where this can be provided without

unusual impact or cost.  Besides this being the current UP standard for new construction

system‐wide, this offers safety, maintenance, and construction productivity benefits.   

The safety benefits that come with 20‐foot track spacing are supported by UP’s standard

operating rules.  To summarize, where track centers are less than 19 feet, all work on an

adjacent track must in essence come to a stop while trains at speeds of over 40 mph are

passing. Conversely, work can continue with little loss of productivity and reduced

worker safety risk in many situations with the 20‐foot track centers.  

The track configurations in the Build Alternatives also assume extensive use of

maintenance access roads, where possible, minimizing train delays and maintenance

time and costs.

As in all shared‐track freight and passenger operations, performance results are

dependent on skilled dispatchers making real time decisions, as well as adherence to the

timetable instructions governing the territory.

Simulation analyses were conducted for the Build Alternatives, assuming the

improvements previously identified.  For the Chicago to St. Louis analysis, standard

trainsets for Metra, Amtrak, high‐speed rail and freight trains were simulated using a

Train Performance Calculator (TPC) to estimate running time over the Chicago to Joliet

corridors.  The TPC uses the tractive effort of locomotives assigned to each trainset

versus the trailing consist and the grades to simulate the operation of each train over the

corridor.  Curve speed restrictions are “held” until the rear of a train has completely

cleared each curve.  The TPC runs for each train between Chicago and Joliet were then

modeled over a 24‐hour period to create the stringline diagrams.  This data is used to

assess railroad operations and the effectiveness of proposed infrastructure

improvements at providing for HSR service and maintaining freight and commuter

service levels.  South the Joliet, the UP analyzed railroad operations with their Rail

Traffic Controller (RTC) model.  

The railroad operations analysis is presented for four geographic areas: (1) Chicago to

Joliet, (2) Joliet to Bloomington, (3) Bloomington to East St. Louis, and (4) St. Louis area.  

The design year is 2030 for all areas.  

Chicago to Joliet

There are two sections between Chicago and Joliet, Section 1 and Section 2, as discussed

in section 3.3.7. Section 1 is the current Amtrak/Metra Heritage route between Chicago

and Joliet and Section 2 is a proposed route between Chicago to Joliet using the Metra

Rock Island District. Alternatives A and B use Section 1 and Alternatives C and D use

Section 2.  Stringline diagrams for both sections are presented below.  These two routes

were chosen based on the results of an alternatives screening analysis as documented in

Section 3.3.4.  One of the major differentiators for these two routes over others evaluated
Chicago-St. Louis High-Speed Rail 6-19 Tier 1 DEIS 

was that these two had the potential to provide a shorter travel time between Chicago

and Joliet.  Operational factors and environmental issues were also considered prior to

selecting these two routes.   

Alternatives A and B (Section 1)

The HSR operations could be conducted in 2030 on Section 1 without significant

conflicts or interactions with freight and commuter operations, given the proposed

infrastructure improvements.  Metra operates only limited (three daily round trips)

commuter service, and freight black‐outs are imposed in the morning and evening rush

hour periods.  

A total of 26 freight “slots” can be identified for the corridor, all of them extending

between Brighton Park and Joliet.  These slots are on 45‐minute headways (minimum

signal headway for freight on the line is currently 20+ minutes).  This would be sufficient

to accommodate the 18 daily freight trains projected to operate along this section.  UP

trains can operate all the way to the new connection at Brighton Park, while CN trains

would enter and exit the corridor primarily at Glenn Yard.  Slower way freights will

require two of the freight slots as they work the corridor north of Joliet, but terminal

switching operations will use the new industry leads on either side of the main line in

order not to occupy the main tracks for extended periods.  

String‐line diagrams in Exhibits 6.1‐4 and 6.1‐5 show the AM (midnight to noon) and

PM (noon to midnight) pattern of commuter, Amtrak Texas Eagle, and HSR trains

through Section 1 for 2030.  Freight schedule slots are also identified from Joliet to

Brighton Park that can be used by any freight operator.  The reports show the

effectiveness of the freight black‐out periods in isolating the passenger service and

permitting it to operate without conflict with the freight.

Alternatives C and D (Section 2)

Unlike Section 1, with its limited Metra service and the ability to impose AM and PM

freight blackouts to create space for the HSR trains, Metra service on Section 2 is

extensive and will continue to be so in the design year of 2030.  Daily, Metra service

would be at its peak precisely when there will be demand for HSR service.   

Viable strategies exist to address the challenge of operating HSR service on this section

in 2030.  One is to hold (or shift departure from the La Salle Street Station) southbound

trains north of CP Pershing (the connection to the NS/Amtrak line from Union Station)

until the southbound HSR train has cleared, then follow it south with the commuter

train.  The southbound HSR train needs sufficient headway that it does not overtake

another Metra train as that train makes its many intermediate station stops to Joliet.  A

substantial amount of Metra service enters and exits the main line at Gresham Junction,

which provides a “3rd track” option for passing the Metra trains while keeping the HSR

trains on the main line.
Chicago-St. Louis High-Speed Rail 6-20 Tier 1 DEIS 

Exhibit 6.1‐4. Build Alternative Stringline Diagram (Alternatives A and B ‐ AM)

Exhibit 6.1‐5. Build Alternative Stringline Diagram (Alternatives A and B ‐ PM)
Chicago-St. Louis High-Speed Rail 6-21 Tier 1 DEIS 

The station at Joliet must be arranged so that Metra trains can be held clear of HSR trains

there.  Northbound, Metra trains are held at Joliet until the HSR train has departed

Joliet, then the Metra train follows it north.  This generally works (assuming the HSR

train is reasonably on‐time from St. Louis), and the northbound HSR train can find a slot

to CP Pershing without overtaking another Metra train.  

Northbound and southbound HSR trains would use the new connection between the

Metra Rock Island line and the NS/Amtrak line at “CP Pershing—CP 518”.  The speed of

the connecting track is 25 mph, with 15 mph connections at either end to account for the

extreme curvature on these connections.  

Many of the Metra peak trains run off the Branch Line between Washington Heights and

blue Island, instead of the mainline.  The Branch Line location is shown on Exhibit 6.1‐3.

Two daily CSXT freight trains (out and back) run from Blue Island out to Joliet (headed

to the sand business at Ottawa, Illinois), and return: one west in the late AM, returning

in the early PM, the other west late in the evening back before the AM rush.  The two

Iowa Interstate freights operate between Evans Yard and Joliet—late night westbound,

early morning eastbound.  As can be seen in the stringline diagrams below, these freight

trains would be able to operate along the corridor similar to how they do under existing

conditions.

String‐line diagrams in Exhibits 6.1‐6 and 6.1‐7 for 2030 show the AM (midnight to

noon) and PM (noon to midnight) pattern of freight, Metra commuter, and HSR trains

on the Rock Island line.  The reports show the peak period congestion between HSR and

commuter trains as both services work to serve their respective ridership markets.  HSR

trains can be slotted into the Metra service and can operate at up to 110 mph (90 mph

through Metra station areas) while doing it, but only on the assumption that Metra

trains are held clear of any conflicts and always follow the high speed trains, while

making their intermediate station stops.

Joliet to Bloomington

In 2020, the UP Railroad predicts there will be 22 freight trains using this section of track

between Joliet and Bloomington in 2020.  Under the Build Alternatives the number of

meet, overtake or delay events is expected to rise to 59 per typical operating day

between Joliet and Bloomington in 2020.  This is a more than three‐fold increase in the

number of events.  In addition, the geographic distribution of these events occurs

throughout the length of Joliet to Bloomington, with 23 occurring between Joliet and

Odell and 36 between Odell and Bloomington.  And, the need to accommodate delayed

trains makes flexibility in meet points even more important.  This supports the need for

full double‐tracking of the subdivision.  
Chicago-St. Louis High-Speed Rail 6-22 Tier 1 DEIS 

Exhibit 6.1‐6. Build Alternative Stringline Diagram (Alternatives C and D ‐ AM)

Exhibit 6.1‐7. Build Alternative Stringline Diagram (Alternatives C and D ‐ PM)

Under the No‐Build Alternative, 24 percent of this section would include

sidings/extended second main track.  For the Build Alternative, the remaining 76 percent

(approximately 67 miles) of the area between Joliet and Bloomington would need to be

double‐tracked to achieve the on‐time performance target of 90 percent.   
Chicago-St. Louis High-Speed Rail 6-23 Tier 1 DEIS 

With provision of a double‐track configuration, the projected number of delay or

holding events is eight per operating day.  Only freight trains are expected to be held or

delayed while traversing this segment.  Additional infrastructure or capacity to further

reduce this is not proposed as part of the Build Alternatives.  Exhibit 6.1‐8 provides the  

stringline diagram for projected Build Alternative train operations between Joliet and

Bloomington for 2020.   

Although the simulations presented in Exhibit 6.1‐8 were done for 2020, the design year

for this program is 2030.  Simulations for 2030 have not been completed but the number

of meet, overtake, or delay events would increase since freight in the corridor would

increase.  If the assumption is made that freight growth in the corridor between 2020 and

2030 is two percent, the number of freight trains running on this section of track would

increase from 22 to 27.  This further supports the need for a full double track

configuration, maximizing operating flexibility.

Exhibit 6.1‐8. Build Alternative Stringline Diagram (Joliet to Bloomington)

Legend

White   

Orange    

Purple    

Yellow   

Black   

Aqua Blue  

Dark Blue   

Dark Orange    

Amtrak Texas Eagle

Amtrak Lincoln Service or HS Trains  

Future UP Joliet Intermodal (IM) Trains

UP Local Trains

Foreign Trains to UP (NS, BNSF, CN, etc.)

Track Inspectors

UP Manifest / Coal

Grain Trains

Network Planning 9/21/09 3

SPCSL RTC Simulation: Track 2b

Joliet Sub Stringline - Tuesday
Chicago-St. Louis High-Speed Rail 6-24 Tier 1 DEIS 

Bloomington to East St. Louis

Under the Build Alternatives, the number of meet, overtake or delay events is expected

to rise to 112 per typical operating day in 2020 in this segment.  This is a more than

three‐fold increase in the number of events.  The geographic distribution of these events

occurs throughout the length of the subdivision, with 51 occurring between

Bloomington and Auburn and 61 between Auburn and Q Tower.  This need for passing

capability throughout the segment supports the need for full double‐tracking of the

subdivision, at this level of detail.  

In the East St. Louis area, there are a number of rail junctions that funnel additional

freight traffic onto and off of the corridor.  UP is further developing a simulation model

with additional detail to confirm the Build Alternatives possible additional

infrastructure improvements.  This analysis will be done in a Tier 2 environmental

document.  

Under the No‐Build Alternative, 43 percent of this section would include

sidings/extended second main track.  For the Build Alternatives, the remaining 57

percent (approximately 88 miles) of the subdivision would be double‐tracked.

With provision of a double‐track configuration, the projected number of delay or

holding events is three per operating day.  Only freight trains are expected to be held or

delayed while traversing this length of track. These expected performance statistics

indicate the soundness of making the investment in the full double‐tracking between

Bloomington and Q Tower.  Exhibit 6.1‐9 provides the stringline diagram for projected

Build Alternative train operations between Bloomington and E. St. Louis.

Again, the simulations presented in Exhibit 6.1‐9 were done for 2020, but the design year

for this program is 2030.  Simulations for 2030 have not been completed but the number

of meet, overtake, or delay events would increase since freight in the corridor would

increase.  If the assumption is made that freight growth in the corridor between 2020 and

2030 is two percent, the number of freight trains running on this section of track would

increase from 22 to 27.  This further supports the need for a full double track

configuration, maximizing operating flexibility.

St. Louis Area

UP forecasts increased freight traffic flows in the St. Louis area in 2020 and 2030.  St.

Louis freight traffic on the corridors under consideration for this analysis is expected to

increase by 23 percent by 2020 as a result of UP freight traffic to/from the Joliet and

Springfield Subdivisions, as well as by 25 percent from the freight flows of the other

Class I rail carriers (BNSF, CSX, NS, etc.) in the St. Louis metropolitan area.  UP has not

forecasted freight growth for the St. Louis area past 2020, but a growth rate of 2 percent

per year is a conservative estimate.  
Chicago-St. Louis High-Speed Rail 6-25 Tier 1 DEIS 

Exhibit 6.1‐9. Build Alternative Stringline Diagram (Bloomington to East St. Louis)

Legend

White   

Orange    

Purple    

Yellow   

Black   

Aqua Blue  

Dark Blue   

Dark Orange    

Amtrak Texas Eagle

Amtrak Lincoln Service or HS Trains  

Future UP Joliet Intermodal (IM) Trains

UP Local Trains

Foreign Trains to UP (NS, BNSF, CN, etc.)

Track Inspectors

UP Manifest / Coal

Grain Trains

The expected freight train growth is assumed to result in a similar increase in the

number of trains crossing the Mississippi River in the St. Louis area.  These bridge

crossings are a significant potential bottleneck for both passenger and freight trains.  

Passenger trains currently can operate over either the Merchants or MacArthur bridges,

but predominantly use MacArthur Bridge (See Exhibit 6.1‐10 for the location of the two

routes into and out of St. Louis.).  Exhibit 6.1‐11 shows the railroads, major junctions,

and freight yards in the St. Louis area.

The existing limitations of the crossing via the Merchants Bridge (restrictions on engine

and car size/configuration meets on the bridge, etc.) would aggravate these traffic flows

and bottlenecks in cross‐river transportation, if not addressed.  In addition, there are

also several impediments to expedited train flow when operating via the Merchants

Subdivision of the TRRA along the west bank of the Mississippi, including Bremen

Avenue interlocking and the single track on the elevated structure and under the St.

Louis Arch.

Network Planning 9/21/09 3

SPCSL RTC Simulation: Track 2b

Joliet Sub Stringline - Tuesday
Exhibit 6.1-10. St. Louis Area Intercity Passenger Routes
Exhibit 6.1-11 Railroads in the St. Louis Area

Merchants Bridge

St. Louis Amtrak

Station

MacArthur Bridge

Source: IDOT, 2006

NOT TO SCALE
Chicago-St. Louis High-Speed Rail 6-28 Tier 1 DEIS 

By UP’s early 2011 estimate, nearly 60 trains per day (including Amtrak) were crossing

the MacArthur Bridge, with a further 30 per day (all carriers) using the Merchants

Bridge.  Examples of the expected 25 percent increase in Class I freight traffic via the

Merchants Bridge would include more than 13 NS trains per day originating from

Luther Yard in Missouri and several additional BNSF trains per day originating at

Lindenwood Yard in Missouri.   

As previously noted, the proposed build alternatives must accommodate the proposed

high speed passenger service while also supporting the projected freight traffic of the UP

and other railroads. To deal with increased freight and passenger traffic at both of these

river crossings and to provide some relief on both the Illinois and Missouri sides, at this

Tier 1 level of detail, proposed improvements in the St. Louis area include new

approaches with added rail capacity and added rail capacity over the Mississippi River

at MacArthur Bridge (The need for a new bridge will be further evaluated at a Tier 2

level.).  This is assumed to accommodate additional passenger trains, as well as

additional freight trains.  The proposed improvements also address train congestion at

Poplar South, Gratiot Street and 14th Street, St. Louis by providing new double‐track

connections to the Amtrak Station.  Without additional rail capacity over the Mississippi

River, UP estimates that on‐time performance for the Chicago to St. Louis intercity

passenger trains would drop to below 40 percent.

The Build Alternatives also include substantial improvements needed to increase the

utility of the Merchants crossing, including providing direct connection from the UP at

Venice, replacing the superstructure on the bridge to allow 6‐axle locomotives and

heavier cars to cross it, as well as making improvements to the TRRA along the west

side of the Mississippi to expedite train movements.  The combination of these

improvements will increase capacity and flexibility for routing passenger trains over

MacArthur and freight movements over both bridge crossings.  The UP simulations

completed thus far for this area do not assume proposed improvements that exactly

match what is proposed with the Build Alternatives.  The UP simulations do indicate

that a MacArthur Bridge routing would work from an operational perspective.  

Additional simulation in this area may be required in future studies.  

6.1.2.2 Equipment Scheduling

This section presents information regarding equipment needs including trainset

requirements, etc. based on the implementation of the complete Midwest high‐speed rail

network.

No‐Build Alternative

Under the No‐Build Alternative, six trainsets, each comprising five passenger cars and

two locomotives are required to support the proposed operations on the corridor.  Four

trainsets are required to cover the service and two spare trainsets are required to cover
Chicago-St. Louis High-Speed Rail 6-29 Tier 1 DEIS 

maintenance and other operating needs.  These trainsets will be procured with funding

provided for the 2004 ROD improvements.

In the No‐Build Alternative, no extensive maintenance facilities are planned in St. Louis.

Servicing requirements for all 6 corridor trainsets will be handled out of the existing

Amtrak‐Chicago maintenance facility.

Build Alternatives

In the Build Alternatives, additional maintenance facility capacity will be required.  The

Chicago – St. Louis corridor schedules could be covered with two additional trainsets.  

The decision on maintenance facility site and location for Chicago to St. Louis service is

related to the same needs for services on other Chicago Hub corridors.  A Tier 2 analysis

is proposed to be performed.  Based on current assumptions, a feasible rotation could be

developed for any shop development plan that offers capacity of at least 16 trains per

night.  The following conclusions were reached regarding the development of shops for

maintaining the trains:

 The final choice of shop locations must largely hinge on the availability of

reasonably priced real estate in reasonable proximity to the endpoint stations.  It is

recommended that further study be undertaken to find a better and larger location

for the proposed St. Louis shop.

 Based on previous MWRRI analyses, a two‐train shop at St. Louis would provide

insufficient capacity to meet the needs of the 2014 MWRRS system.  A minimum

three‐train capacity would be needed at St. Louis to increase the system production

rate to 16 trains per night.

 The nearby location of Amtrak maintenance facilities to the Chicago terminus for

this service would provide for convenient access to servicing and maintenance

facilities which will enhance equipment availability and reliability.  However, the

current facility cannot support the increased services proposed in the future for the

Midwest.

6.1.2.3 Crew Scheduling

The operator of the service would provide train operating crews, crew supervision and

crew support.  The operator may or may not provide cabin services or station services,

pending final contractual arrangements with IDOT.  Train operating crews will be

qualified for high‐speed operations and be rotated for service in accordance with the

operator’s policies as well as federal laws and regulations.  Operation contracts will

contain provisions guaranteeing availability of crews to cover the service.

Consist Analysis

No‐Build Alternative

In the No‐Build Alternative, six sets of 110 mph‐capable locomotives and cars suitable

for sustained 110 mph operation would operate in the corridor.
Chicago-St. Louis High-Speed Rail 6-30 Tier 1 DEIS 

Build Alternatives

In the Build Alternatives, 12 locomotives and 30 cars would be required.  For consistency

in appearance, branding, and fleet utilization, the 79 mph trips excluding the Texas

Eagle would also be equipped with the new rolling stock.  These needs are included in

the equipment totals noted above.

Standard coaches and business class cars would be available in each train on the

Chicago‐St. Louis line.  Business class seating would be in cars which also provide food

service, with the dispensing of food and beverages from an attended counter, as well as

seating at tables in a part of the car.

The 110 mph cars would incorporate many new features, including a train monitoring

system (to assist in operations and on‐line trouble‐shooting), passenger emergency

intercom provisions, a public address/automated announcement system, bike racks,

visual message signs and provisions for the installation of wireless internet.  The new

cars would also incorporate a global positioning system.  A minimum availability of 97

percent is required for the new 110 mph cars.  

Locomotives to be procured under the FRA High‐Speed Intercity Passenger Rail

(HSIPR) Program would also incorporate many new features, including compliance

with EPA Tier IV emissions.  The performance specifications for the new locomotives

require strict fuel efficiency and that there be no serious degradation of this performance

if the locomotive is used in non‐high speed (under 110 mph) service.  

Using the 2030 ridership projections with a 100, 150, and 200 percent fare scenarios, the

projected annual ridership of 1,707,109 (100% fare, no increase), 1,551,618 (150% fare

increase) and 1,391,402 (200% fare increase) is divided by 313 to arrive at a typical day’s

demand.  This results in 5,454 (100% fare), 4,957 (150% fare increase), and 4,445 (200%

fare increase) riders per average day.  It was assumed that the demand for business class

would be on the order of 7 percent of the daily ridership by the design year, with the

balance being in coach class.  The business class demand per train is 20‐24 riders on

average.  The coach demand would be 5,072 (100% fare), 4,610 (150% fare increase), and

4,134 (200% fare increase) per average day and when divided by the 16 trains per day,

this results in an average load of 317 (100% fare), 288 (150% fare increase), and 258 (200%

fare increase) coach passengers per train.  Therefore, each consist needs to have one

coach‐cab car, three straight coaches and one business class/food service car.  This would

provide a consist with 348 coach seats and 30 business class seats.  If eight trainsets are

needed to run the build schedule and if 15 to 20 percent spare cars (for maintenance,

etc.) by car configuration are provided, the Build Alternatives will require 10 cab cars, 29

straight coaches, and 10 business class/food service cars, for a total of 49 cars.

The Passenger Demand Forecasting Handbook, which is only available to member

organizations of the Association of Train Operating Companies, gives an overall

guideline that demand may increase by up to 3‐4 percent from the types of rolling stock

improvements being implemented.
Chicago-St. Louis High-Speed Rail 6-31 Tier 1 DEIS 

6.1.3 Capital Costs 

The capital requirements to initiate the Chicago ‐ St. Louis service are described and

quantified within this section.  A summary of the start‐up capital costs are also provided

in this section, along with additional information relative to capital cost estimates for

Build Alternatives corridor improvements and operating costs, respectively.

6.1.3.1 Vehicles

No‐Build Alternative

Rolling stock, including 12 locomotives and 30 passenger cars are being acquired as part

of the 2004 ROD improvements.  Each of the six trainsets is assumed to have a

locomotive at each end providing traction redundancy, as well as the additional

horsepower required to meet the demanding schedules of the HSR corridor.  Each

trainset would consist of four coaches and one Business Class/Café car.

In all, six of the cars would be of the Business Class/Café variety with the remainder

being Coach Class chair cars.  Four trainsets would be in operation while two trainsets

would be held for maintenance and operational spares, one at each end of the route.

Build Alternatives

The Build Alternatives would require an additional four locomotives and 10 passenger

cars (2 Business/Café cars and 8 Coach Class chair cars).  This equipment would be

purchased new with estimated capital costs as follows in Table 6.1‐9.

Table 6.1‐9.  Chicago to St. Louis Passenger Vehicles

Rolling Stock Equipment 

Type 

Quantity to be 

Purchased 

Unit Cost 

( Million 2010) 

Total Cost 

($Million 2010) 

Build Alternatives 

Diesel Locomotive with 110

mph Capabilities 4 $5.0 $20.0

Business Class/Café car 2 $4.0 $8.0

Coach Class chair car 8 $4.0 $32.0

TOTAL Build Alternatives $60.0

6.1.3.2 Infrastructure

Permanent Way

The infrastructure improvements to be performed for the Chicago‐St. Louis High‐Speed

Rail Program are cumulative in nature.  That is, the 2004 ROD improvements that

comprise the No‐Build Alternative provide a basis for and support the improvements

scheduled for any of the Build Alternatives.  The goal of the engineering design for

infrastructure improvements is to avoid duplication of construction efforts and to

minimize “rework”.
Chicago-St. Louis High-Speed Rail 6-32 Tier 1 DEIS 

No‐Build Alternative

The No‐Build Alternative assumes the existing corridor conditions, plus the 2004 ROD

improvements and Dwight to Joliet 2011 Environmental Assessment (EA)/Finding of No

Significant Impact (FONSI) improvements now funded and under construction.  These

include adding or expanding passing tracks to minimize delays from off‐schedule train

meets, improved fencing to discourage trespass on the right‐of‐way, and upgraded

grade crossing protection appropriate and timed for the operations.  Provision of HSR

service with the 2004 ROD improvements and Dwight to Joliet EA/FONSI

improvements includes:

 Reconstruction of main track

 Rehabilitation of 13 passing sidings

 Rehabilitation or replacement of stations at Dwight, Pontiac, Lincoln, Springfield,

Carlinville and Alton

 Installation of Positive Train Control (PTC) on the Joliet‐Q Tower section of line

 Enhanced warning devices at all grade crossings.  

The physical improvements covered in the 2004 ROD and Dwight to Joliet EA are

located between Joliet and East St. Louis.

Grade crossings that accommodate 110 mph operations are key to the success of

passenger rail service.  IDOT’s policy is to eliminate redundant or unnecessary crossings

and to install the most sophisticated traffic control/warning devices compatible with the

location of the crossing.  Numerous grade crossings exist throughout downtown

business areas and residential communities where 110 mph operations are essential to

the success of the system.  Additionally, in many rural areas, secondary roads parallel

the railroad right‐of‐way.  The treatment of crossings in close proximity to parallel

roadways may include the installation of acceleration and deceleration lanes and/or the

installation of traffic signals on the secondary roadway.  This highway work has not

been included in the capital cost estimates.  Humped crossings that minimize sight

distance for both train and passenger vehicles and restrict the movements of certain

trucks are another challenge that will require specific engineering solutions.  Four‐

quadrant gates will be installed.  

Implementation of a state‐of‐the‐art signal and communications system is integral to the

implementation of 110 mph operations.  Improved signaling will increase track

throughput and raise the efficiency, productivity and safety of the track as well as meet

regulatory requirements that will soon take effect.  On 110 mph rail, overlay of state‐of‐

the‐art signal and communications system on the existing signal system is required.  A

state‐of‐the‐art system is necessary to coordinate freight and passenger operations and

permit joint service to share the same track.  Subject to acceptance by the FRA and

freight railroads, it is assumed that Positive Train Control system technology will be

applied to all portions of the route with speeds over 80 mph.  
Chicago-St. Louis High-Speed Rail 6-33 Tier 1 DEIS 

The estimated capital costs for the infrastructure improvements associated with these

improvements are estimated at $1,450,956,316.  

Under the No‐Build Alternative, HSR service would consist of three high‐speed round

trips per day.  The Texas Eagle and one additional Lincoln service round trip will also

operate in the corridor.  HSR trains will stop at all of the stations currently served by the

existing Chicago ‐ St. Louis Amtrak route (i.e., Chicago Union Station, Summit, Joliet,

Dwight, Pontiac, Bloomington/Normal, Lincoln, Springfield, Carlinville, Alton, and St.

Louis).  The existing route will be utilized under the No‐Build Alternative throughout

the study corridor.

Build Alternatives

Improvements would achieve 110 mph corridor for the majority of the distance from

Joliet to St. Louis.  Improvements for 90 mph operations would be initiated between

Joliet and Chicago.  

Improvements are assumed to include:

 Construction new second main track where not provided by the No‐Build

Alternative.

 Completion of PTC installation on new trackage.

 Modifications to four‐quadrant gate installations as required to accommodate

additional trackage.

 Grade separation from the Norfolk Southern Railroad (NS) at Iles (MP 187.4) (near

Springfield).

 Various capability improvements on the Terminal Railroad Association (TRRA)

trackage near St. Louis, and on the Chicago – St. Louis routes.

 Second Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)‐compliant station platform

installations to accommodate new double track.

 Additional improvements are proposed to address the additional needs in

Springfield.  These improvements are discussed in Volume II of this Tier 1 Draft EIS.

The Build Alternatives include completion of triple track over sections of the selected

route between Chicago and Joliet.  The estimated capital costs for the infrastructure

improvements required within the Chicago – St. Louis Corridor Build Alternatives is

provided in Chapter 3.

Stations

No‐Build Alternative

Station improvements are planned under the 2004 ROD improvements or separate

projects at all stations within the corridor with the exception of Chicago Union Station,

Summit, and the St. Louis Intermodal Center.  These station improvements are assumed

to be included in the No‐Build Alternative.  Improvements to the Springfield station are

being deferred until decisions are made about the Springfield Rail Improvements

Project.
Chicago-St. Louis High-Speed Rail 6-34 Tier 1 DEIS 

Build Alternatives

Additional expanded parking and pedestrian grade separations would be required at

most locations.

Maintenance Facilities

No‐Build Alternative

Amtrak’s existing 16th Street Diesel Shop and 14th Street Coach Shop in Chicago would

be used for train servicing when it is required in Chicago.  These shops and their

associated train storage yards are conveniently located just south of the Chicago Union

Station, the proposed Chicago terminus for the new service.  The existing shops and

yards have adequate existing capacity to perform repairs to the train equipment initially.  

Build Alternative

For the Build Alternatives, a new maintenance facility would be located in St. Louis.

Current facilities cannot handle the volume of trains that would be in service over the

route. While land in St. Louis is expected to be more expensive, it was found that

moving trains back across the Mississippi River was impractical and would encounter

(and cause) traffic congestion at the bridge.  A shop at St. Louis would be required to

store and service three trains every night.  Additionally, the current Amtrak facility in

Chicago cannot support the increased services proposed in the future for the Midwest.

Administrative Facilities

Chicago’s Union Station is currently owned and operated by Amtrak, and includes

Amtrak administrative offices and facilities.  Additional administrative facilities are not

anticipated to be required to support the Chicago ‐ St. Louis HSR service.

There are no capital costs associated with the No‐Build Alternative.  Capital cost

estimates for the Build Alternative are provided in Chapter 3.

6.1.3.3 Future Expansion and Growth  

No‐Build Alternative

There is no future expansion or growth anticipated to be possible with the No‐Build

Alternative.

Build Alternatives

As ridership grows in this corridor and if the expected growth occurs in the intermodal

service offered by the UP on this line, there could be a need to provide additional

passing tracks or universal crossovers to accommodate the mixed speed trains and

additional meets/overtakes that would result.  The analysis of locations for these types of

facilities would need to be accomplished in the future as service demand patterns

emerge.

Passenger demand would dictate the frequency and type of services offered.  Possible

patterns might include originating trains from stations other than the end points, the
Chicago-St. Louis High-Speed Rail 6-35 Tier 1 DEIS 

introduction of ‘super express’ trains without intermediate stops, or running limited

stop express trains tailored to passenger demand.

All cars and locomotives used in the high‐speed service would be compatible with other

passenger cars and equipped with couplers, so that cars can be added to the trains to

accommodate more passengers as required.

In order to constrain project costs, horizontal and vertical clearances at structures are not

being revised in all instances.  Clearances are being revised as appropriate to meet

existing railroad standards and regulatory requirements.  This means that overhead

clearances (required to install catenary for traction power distribution) may require

structural modifications in the future.  However, changes such as electrification of the

line and the provision for expansion or improvement beyond the Build Alternatives

would be developed later.

6.1.4 Ridership and Revenue Forecast 

6.1.4.1 Ridership Forecasts

Ridership forecasts have been updated since the 2003 FEIS and are shown in the tables

below.  Total rail ridership in the Build Alternatives in the year 2030 is projected to

range between 1.07 and 1.70 million passengers depending on the fare policies

established.  Table 6.1‐10 shows existing annual ridership by station‐pair combination.  

Table 6.1‐11 show estimated annual ridership for Year 2030, also by station‐pair

combination, for the No‐Build Alternative.  Tables 6.1‐12, 6.1‐13, and 6.1‐14 show

estimated annual ridership for the Year 2030, also by station‐pair combination, for the

Build Alternatives.  At this Tier 1 level of detail, because of the similarities of the

alternative routes, ridership is assumed to be the same for all Build Alternatives.   

The updated ridership forecasts were developed using mode diversion models that have

been previously used in other passenger rail forecasting studies in the U.S. and was

adapted for the Chicago – St. Louis corridor.  For the purposes of this analysis, ridership

projections are assumed to be the same for all of the Build Alternatives.

Forecasts are prepared separately for business and non‐business travel purposes using

separate models and input data for each purpose.  The service attributes included in the

model were time, cost/fare, and frequency with time disaggregated into access, egress,

and line haul components.  Mode‐specific constants account for the unobserved

attributes (not explicitly modeled) of the passenger rail service relative to other modes.  

Reliability, comfort, cleanliness, perception, ability to work, new rolling stock and

station amenities were all taken into consideration in determining the value of the mode‐

specific constant.  

The demand forecasting model covers a geographic area that follows the existing

Chicago – St. Louis passenger rail corridor and extends approximately 50 miles on each

side of the proposed alignments.  This study area was then disaggregated into 100 zones

each assigned to one of the 11 corridor stations. The in‐scope travel market of air, bus,

and automobile trips were estimated and disaggregated by trip purpose.  Next the
Chicago-St. Louis High-Speed Rail 6-36 Tier 1 DEIS 

Table 6.1‐10. Annual Ridership – Existing (2010)

Chicago Summit Joliet Dwight Pontiac Normal Lincoln Springfield Carlinville Alto

Chicago ‐  93 1,927 2,518 5,646 79,560 5,922 59,783 2,580 16,01Summit 60  ‐  17 44 117 1,550 126 730 89 289 Joliet 1,767 26  ‐  269 258 8,487 535 5,374 239 2,075 Dwight 2,452 41 239  ‐  78 521 41 416 99 246 Pontiac 5,617 93 279 38  ‐  747 40 243 36 106 Normal 79,543 1,955 8,968 614 844  ‐  1,409 6,272 306 2,325 Lincoln 6,670 110 578 70 44 1,169  ‐  1,421 57 182 Springfield 59,025 818 5,194 407 257 6,264 1,816  ‐  933 5,966 Carlinville 2,676 103 253 111 42 355 43 688  ‐  147 Alton 15,916 340 2,060 281 124 2,389 171 6,292 194  ‐  St. Louis 74,406 725 6,266 544 280 7,446 573 12,610 460 1,227Total 248,132 4,304 25,781 4,896 7,690 108,488 10,676 93,829 4,993 28,57
Chicago-St. Louis High-Speed Rail 6-37 Tier 1 DEIS 

Table 6.1‐11. Annual Ridership – 2030 No‐Build Alternative

Chicago Summit Joliet Dwight Pontiac Normal Lincoln Springfield Carlinville Alton 

Chicago ‐  158 3,275 1,104 5,574 107,197 7,922 81,327 3,930 32,418 Summit 102  ‐  29 15 126 1,703 160 1,152 115 320 Joliet 3,003 44  ‐  457 439 15,511 1,118 9,541 504 3,883 Dwight 1,756 18 406  ‐  133 1,331 39 332 99 284 Pontiac 10,815 133 387 65  ‐  1,270 63 348 58 274 Normal 124,334 2,736 11,509 1,561 1,435  ‐  2,395 7,521 426 6,083 Lincoln 9,266 147 588 52 65 1,987  ‐  2,415 74 649 Springfield 87,056 1,546 6,768 310 351 7,444 3,087  ‐  1,586 13,743 Carlinville 4,028 158 276 106 66 495 60 1,169  ‐  250 Alton 31,887 462 4,775 318 269 5,606 596 13,430 330  ‐  St. Louis 149,156 997 18,991 541 591 11,841 937 18,842 646 2,086Total 421,405 6,398 47,004 4,529 9,048 154,385 16,376 136,079 7,767 59,989 
Chicago-St. Louis High-Speed Rail 6-38 Tier 1 DEIS 

Table 6.1‐12. Annual Ridership – 2030 Build Alternatives – Existing (100%) Fare

Chicago Summit Joliet Dwight Pontiac Normal Lincoln Springfield Carlinville Alton 

Chicago ‐  244 5,053 1,422 7,083 165,153 10,218 120,310 5,156 53,321 Summit 157  ‐  45 20 162 2,181 208 1,435 153 431 Joliet 4,633 68  ‐  705 676 23,547 1,421 14,726 652 5,824 Dwight 2,280 23 627  ‐  205 1,695 50 429 129 370 Pontiac 13,931 170 487 100  ‐  1,959 79 442 75 347 Normal 195,166 3,483 16,212 1,975 2,213  ‐  3,694 11,742 541 9,608 Lincoln 12,078 192 752 67 81 3,065  ‐  3,726 93 824 Springfield 130,134 1,917 10,044 396 444 11,562 4,762  ‐  2,446 20,976 Carlinville 5,299 209 351 137 84 627 76 1,804  ‐  385 Alton 53,254 604 6,900 404 344 8,859 757 20,539 509  ‐  St. Louis 258,936 1,349 29,535 707 767 19,120 1,200 28,935 818 3,217Total 675,868 8,258 70,004 5,934 12,061 237,769 22,466 204,088 10,572 95,304 
Chicago-St. Louis High-Speed Rail 6-39 Tier 1 DEIS 

Table 6.1‐13. Annual Ridership – 2030 Build Alternatives – 150% Fare

Chicago Summit Joliet Dwight Pontiac Normal Lincoln Springfield Carlinville Alton 

Chicago ‐  222 4,595 1,335 6,709 152,918 9,310 109,203 4,564 47,248 

Summit 143  ‐  41 18 152 1,944 183 1,264 132 365 

Joliet 4,214 62  ‐  642 615 22,415 1,296 13,624 576 5,373 

Dwight 2,128 21 570  ‐  186 1,602 46 385 113 315 

Pontiac 13,152 159 467 91  ‐  1,781 76 418 66 315 

Normal 180,087 3,123 15,545 1,869 2,013  ‐  3,360 11,376 509 8,923 

Lincoln 11,021 168 688 62 77 2,788  ‐  3,389 89 767 

Springfield 117,300 1,679 9,364 356 418 11,196 4,331  ‐  2,225 20,265 

Carlinville 4,695 182 309 120 77 588 73 1,641  ‐  351 

Alton 47,328 528 6,484 354 310 8,234 700 19,838 463  ‐  

St. Louis 225,767 1,134 27,726 604 678 17,561 1,108 27,215 778 2,926

Total 605,836 7,278 65,788 5,449 11,235 221,027 20,484 188,353 9,515 86,848 
Chicago-St. Louis High-Speed Rail 6-40 Tier 1 DEIS 

Table 6.1‐14. Annual Ridership – 2030 Build Alternatives – 200% Fare

Chicago Summit Joliet Dwight Pontiac Normal Lincoln Springfield Carlinville Alton 

Chicago ‐  199 4,114 1,251 6,348 141,340 8,468 98,660 4,030 41,601 

Summit 128  ‐  36 17 142 1,729 160 1,112 114 306 

Joliet 3,773 56  ‐  574 551 21,323 1,180 12,588 506 4,935 

Dwight 1,985 20 510  ‐  167 1,511 42 346 99 266 

Pontiac 12,407 147 447 81  ‐  1,595 73 394 57 286 

Normal 165,822 2,795 14,904 1,768 1,802  ‐  3,008 11,017 479 8,272 

Lincoln 10,039 147 628 57 74 2,496  ‐  3,034 85 714 

Springfield 104,965 1,465 8,725 320 394 10,838 3,877  ‐  1,992 19,584 

Carlinville 4,147 159 272 105 70 552 70 1,469  ‐  314 

Alton 41,782 458 6,066 308 279 7,641 647 19,140 414  ‐  

St. Louis 195,101 941 25,844 512 596 16,091 1,022 25,561 739 2,620

Total 540,148 6,385 61,546 4,994 10,422 205,116 18,548 173,321 8,516 78,898 
Chicago-St. Louis High-Speed Rail 6-41 Tier 1 DEIS 

future market growth was estimated using forecast socio‐economic trends and

assumptions regarding the sensitivity of changes in trip making behavior with respect to

these trends.  The Level of Service (LOS) characteristics for each mode and zone pair

were then estimated taking into account the in‐vehicle time, frequency of service, fare,

and time/cost needed to access and egress the mode’s station from the trip’s actual

origin and destination respectively.  For a trip by automobile, this takes into account the

origin‐destination travel time (including any delays due to road congestion) and vehicle

operating costs (primarily the cost of gasoline).  The potential diversion from the air, bus

and auto modes to the proposed new rail service was then estimated using the LOS

characteristics calculated in the previous step and the established mode diversion

models.  

The level of induced demand was then estimated, which includes new inter‐urban trips

that are not made in the no‐project situation, but that occur as a result of the improved

service provided by the proposed program.  The total updated rail ridership for any

given year is then the sum of the existing rail ridership grown to that particular year, the

diverted trips to rail from the auto, air and bus modes and the induced rail trips.  The

estimated farebox revenue is then calculated by multiplying the total rail ridership at the

station pair level by the corresponding fare assumptions (separate for business and non‐

business) used for the new rail service.  Note that the level of ridership is also sensitive

to the level of fare.

6.1.4.2 Revenue Forecasts

The projected ticket revenues for both the No‐Build Alternative and the Build

Alternatives are shown in Table 6.1‐15.  Ticket revenue is assumed to be the same for all

build alternatives.  Primary revenue sources are ticket sales and fees from station

concession licenses.  Other sources are profits from on‐board services (food and

beverage), express package services, parking fees and profits from station development.  

In addition to full fares, a series of market‐specific promotional and discount fares could

be established to fill off‐peak trains and encourage certain segments of the population, in

particular students and senior citizens, to travel at off‐peak times.  A variety of travel

cards and other promotional ticketing systems would also be developed to further

promote widespread use of the service.

The ridership and revenue forecasts assume that for each fare scenario the prices

increase at the rate of inflation and are the same in real terms for each of the forecast

years.  The 100 percent fare scenario assumes fares will be priced for each station –

station pair at the average real price paid in FY2010.

Additional revenue might be made available through concessions at station locations,

depending upon the passenger volume.  Food service, ranging from light snacks and

beverages up to fine dining can be provided depending on station size, location and

neighborhood.
Chicago-St. Louis High-Speed Rail 6-42 Tier 1 DEIS 

Table 6.1‐15.  Ticket Revenue Forecasts (in 2010 dollars)

Scenario Fare 

2010 2015 2030 Growth 

Annual 

Ridership 

Revenue 

(2010 $) 

Annual 

Ridership

Revenue

(2010 $) 

Annual 

Ridership

Revenue 

(2010 $) 

Ridership

(2010-

2030) 

Revenue

(2010-

2030) 

Existing 100% 641,587 15,536,301  ‐  ‐  ‐  ‐  ‐  ‐ 

No‐Build

100%  ‐  ‐  841,988 20,768,320 1,079,690 27,083,316 68% 74%

150%  ‐  ‐  746,764 25,868,937 953,649 33,598,733 49% 116%

200%  ‐  ‐  660,845 29,275,595 841,225 37,905,834 31% 144%

Build

100%  ‐  ‐  ‐  ‐  1,707,109 41,375,656 166% 166%

150%  ‐  ‐  ‐  ‐  1,551,618 52,862,106 142% 240%

200%  ‐  ‐  ‐  ‐  1,391,402 60,671,370 117% 291%

6.2 Travel Benefits 

6.2.1 No-Build Alternative 

6.2.1.1 Travel Time, Frequency, and Reliability   

Existing passenger rail travel time between Chicago and St. Louis ranges from five hours

and 20 minutes to five hours and 57 minutes.  Under the No‐Build Alternative,

passenger rail travel time is expected to range from four hours and 30 minutes and four

hours and 45 minutes as a result of implementation of the 2004 ROD improvements.  

This travel time is greater than the ultimate goal for the HSR service from Chicago to St.

Louis corridor of under four hours.   

Rail communication and signal systems will be upgraded with the 2004 ROD

improvements, which will improve some of the reliability and on‐time performance

issues.  However, the limited capacity (i.e., the single track through most of the corridor)

would continue to affect reliability and on‐time performance and limit the ability to add

additional trains through the corridor.

With limits on travel time, passenger rail capacity, and reliability that remain with the

No‐Build Alternative.  Ridership in 2030 is forecast to be approximately 1.1 million

passengers with the No‐Build Alternative, an increase of over 400,000 passengers

compared to existing conditions.    
Chicago-St. Louis High-Speed Rail 6-43 Tier 1 DEIS 

6.2.1.2 Safety

Overall passenger safety in the corridor will increase in that the passenger miles traveled

by rail in the corridor is expected to rise to 203 million passenger miles from the existing  

114 million passenger miles.  Passenger miles were developed using the ridership

forecasts developed for this program (See Section 5.3).  To the extent that this increase

represents a diversion from automobile travel, the safety risk to travelers will decrease

in that rail travel is safer than automobile travel based on information presented in

Section 2.3.2 of the Purpose and Need.

However, fewer passengers are expected to divert under the No‐Build Alternative

compared to the Build Alternatives, which would have overall travel times that are

expected to be substantially shorter than automobile travel times.

6.2.2 Build Alternatives 

6.2.2.1 Travel Time, Frequency, Reliability

Rail passenger travel time between Chicago and St. Louis would decrease from a range of

four hours and 30 minutes to four hours and 45 minutes, to three hours and 51 minutes to

four hours and 10 minutes.  The Build Alternatives could therefore result in an additional

35‐ to 39‐minute travel time savings compared to the No‐Build Alternative.

With the Build Alternatives, three additional passenger round trips would be operated

daily.  The Build Alternatives would include the addition of a second track through

most of the corridor (Dwight to St. Louis), rail‐to‐rail grade separations, and added

capacity north of Joliet, as well as associated signal improvements.  These features

would address the reliability‐related issues due to train interference that are not

addressed by the No‐Build Alternative.   

6.2.2.2 Safety

Overall passenger safety in the corridor will increase in that the annual passenger miles

traveled by rail in the corridor is expected to rise to 328 million passenger miles (Year

2030) from the existing 114 million passenger miles.  This is 125 million passenger miles

greater than with the No‐Build Alternative.  Passenger miles were developed using the

ridership forecasts developed for this program (See Section 5.3).  To the extent that this

increase represents a diversion from automobile travel, the safety risk to travelers will

decrease in that rail travel is safer than automobile travel.  Annual passenger miles by

automobile are projected to decrease by 118 million passenger miles compared to the

No‐Build Alternative.

With additional trains operating in the corridor, the possibility of train collisions is

increased.  However, the implementation of a state of the art signaling system would

mitigate this risk.

6.2.2.3 Additional Travel Benefits

Improvements to passenger rail service improve its competitiveness with other modes of

travel.  When compared to the other transportation modes, the Build Alternatives would
Chicago-St. Louis High-Speed Rail 6-44 Tier 1 DEIS 

provide more access to intermediate markets along the corridor except for automobile

travel, which currently provides access along the entire corridor via the interstate

interchanges.  Between Chicago and St. Louis, the Build Alternatives would provide

improved access to nine intermediate markets via the train stations while air and bus

travel currently provides access to only two markets (Bloomington/Normal and

Springfield).  With regard to trip service, the Build Alternatives would provide for safe

use of cell phones and internet access for diverted automobile drivers.  As for air travel,

although cell phone and internet access is available at airports, there are more

restrictions/limitations regarding their use during flight.  With regard to cost and

service, Build Alternatives would provide higher quality service than bus travel and rail

service under the No‐Build Alternative at a lower cost than air travel.

6.3 Impacts to Freight Rail Service 

6.3.1 No-Build Alternative 

The No‐Build Alternative includes conditions as exist in 2012, plus the completion of

construction of track upgrades, capacity improvements, and signal improvements

between Joliet and St. Louis per the 2004 ROD improvements and 2011 Dwight to Joliet

EA (See Section 3.2.1.).  IDOT and UP have coordinated extensively on these changes so

that the projected freight, as well as the No‐Build Alternative’s intercity passenger

service, can operate with improved reliability relative to existing conditions.  

6.3.2 Build Alternatives 

Implementation of a Build Alternative is not expected to result in a change in the

number of freight trains operating in the Chicago ‐ St. Louis corridor daily, which are in

this case more dependent on markets and demand than capacity.  Some freight train

scheduling modifications would be required to prevent conflicts with passenger rail

service proposed for the Build Alternatives.  The increased frequency of passenger trains

will further restrict rail time available for freight movements.  Since high‐speed

operations will occur primarily during the daytime, coordination with the host railroads

would be required to determine if the routing of freight trains could occur outside of the

peak intercity passenger periods.  Ultimately, the freight carrier would have to agree to

such a shift. Between Chicago and Joliet, there is more freight train activity on the CN

line (Section 1) than on the Metra Rock Island District (Section 2).  Through Springfield,

there would be less freight train activity on the 3rd Street corridor (Section 4) than on the

10th Street corridor (Section 5).  Infrastructure improvements are included in the Build

Alternatives so that freight train reliability is not affected by the program.

Similar to the No‐Build Alternative, IDOT and UP have coordinated extensively

regarding infrastructure improvements as a part of the Build Alternatives that would be

required to serve both projected freight service and proposed increases in the frequency

and speed of intercity passenger trains.  This coordination was documented in IDOT’s

HSIPR applications submitted to FRA in 2009 and has continued since funding for the

Chicago to St. Louis HSR corridor was awarded.  UP and CN have completed

simulation analyses for the portions of the corridor under their jurisdiction to identify
Chicago-St. Louis High-Speed Rail 6-45 Tier 1 DEIS 

capacity and signal improvements that would be required to improve reliability and

allow for increased speed for intercity passenger trains.   

6.4 Impacts to Commuter Rail Service 

6.4.1 No-Build Alternative 

Commuter rail service in the Chicago area currently operates on Sections 1 (Metra

Heritage Corridor) and 2 (Metra Rock Island District).  No other commuter rail service

operates in the corridor.  Preliminary Metra data for March 2011 and 2012 was reviewed

to determine consist lengths and utilization, as well as ridership trends for the Heritage

Corridor and the Rock Island District.  Heritage Corridor ridership declined by 2.2

percent from March 2011 (2,642 riders) to March 2012 (2,585 riders).  Overall weekday

ridership (including peak, reverse peak, midday and evening totals) on the Rock Island

District increased by 1.4 percent from 30,105 riders in March 2011 to 30,564 riders in

March 2012.  Saturday, Sunday and Holiday ridership also increased over this same

period for the Rock Island District trains.

In summary, Metra has no plans for changing or expanding the existing service along

Metra’s Rock Island District, used by Alternatives C and D.  There is also no intercity

passenger service currently operated via the Metra Rock Island District.  For alternatives

A and B (using Metra Heritage Corridor north of Joliet), Amtrak service in the No‐Build

Alternative will remain largely similar to the current service, with the operation of five

Amtrak round trips. Metra does have plans to expand service along the Metra Heritage

Corridor, possibly adding six trains per day and adding a new station between Lemont

and Lockport.  The assumed capacity improvements for the high speed service will be

developed further in the Tier 2 process to provide appropriate additional capacity, but

not for the additional commuter service.  Further improvements (crossovers, segments

of new trackage, etc) could be developed and analyzed to support the future additional

commuter rail service.

Existing operation on the Metra‐Heritage Corridor consists of 3 inbound AM peak‐

period suburban trains leaving Joliet on a 40‐minute headway between 5:45 a.m. and

7:05 a.m., weekdays only.  There are four intermediate stops, and all trains make all

stops.  This equates to an average station spacing on the order of 9.3 miles.  All three

inbound trains are scheduled to make the trip in 1 hour, 5 minutes, for an average speed

of 34.2 mph.  Outbound PM peak service consists of three trains, again making all stops

on the line to Joliet.  These trains depart the South Concourse of Chicago Union Station

between 4:50 p.m. and 6:12 p.m.; the headway varies between 35 and 50 minutes.  All

trains are scheduled to make the outbound trip in 62 minutes, for an average speed of

35.8 mph.  With regard to capacity utilization, Heritage Corridor trains 914 and 921 are a

3‐car consist, trains 916 and 919 are a 5‐car consist and trains 917‐918 are a 6‐car consist.  

According to preliminary March 2012 data the average load on these six trains was 61.4

percent of the available seated capacity.   

All trains on the Metra‐Heritage Corridor are kept overnight and on weekends in the

Metra‐Joliet Yard, which also serves that carrier’s Rock Island District trains.  There is no
Chicago-St. Louis High-Speed Rail 6-46 Tier 1 DEIS 

weekend or Holiday Metra service on the Heritage Corridor.  Stations in common with

Amtrak “Lincoln Service” trains include Joliet and Chicago Union Station.  Seven of the

eight “Lincoln Service” trains also stop at the Summit station, which serves the

southwest side of Chicago.

As noted above, there are eight daily “Lincoln Service” trips and two “Texas Eagle” trips

which operate via the Heritage Corridor.  These are timed to occur throughout the day.  

“Lincoln Service” trains are scheduled to depart from Chicago Union Station’s South

Concourse at 0700, 0925, 1715 and 1900.  The outbound “Texas Eagle” leaves Chicago at

1345.  Inbound “Lincoln Service” trains are scheduled in Joliet at 0859, 1119, 1926 and

2002.  The inbound “Texas Eagle” is due in Joliet at 1256.  All Amtrak trains operate

seven days per week.  “Lincoln Service” trains are generally made up of a combination

of Amfleet and Horizon type cars; the “Texas Eagle” is composed of Superliner cars.  

Amtrak GE P42DC diesels operate on all trains.

Running times vary by stopping pattern and by time of day/other traffic on the line.  

Trains 303, 305 and 307 each make the Summit stop, but are scheduled to traverse the

Heritage Corridor in 50 minutes, working out to an average speed of 44.4 mph.  Train

301 runs express past Summit, but is scheduled to make its AM reverse peak trip in 57

minutes, for an average speed of 38.9 mph.  The longest travel time allotted to “Lincoln

Service” trains on the Heritage Corridor is the 74 minutes given to train 304, which

makes a run into Chicago following the PM rush.  This train averages 30 mph.  The other

Amtrak trains operating on this corridor fall within this general range.  There is

considerable congestion from 21st Street on into Union Station, particularly in the peak

periods.  Freight traffic (both intersecting and along the Heritage Corridor) can also

affect the running time of the passenger trains via this routing.

Existing weekday Metra operation on the Rock Island District consists of 35 scheduled

inbound suburban trains leaving either Joliet or Blue Island and operating via either the

mainline or the suburban line between Blue Island to Gresham.  Each weekday, 23

scheduled trains leave Joliet between 5:00 a.m. and 10:30 p.m.  Of these, 13 trains run

from Joliet to Chicago on the mainline, while the other 10 trains are routed on the

suburban line from Joliet to Chicago (generally, this routing is used midday and in the

evening).  One inbound train (leaving Blue Island) is routed via the mainline to Chicago,

while an additional 11 trains per weekday are routed via the suburban line between Blue

Island and Gresham.  All 35 inbound trains use the same tracks between Gresham and

LaSalle Street station.  

Existing weekday Metra operation on the Rock Island District consists of 34 scheduled

outbound suburban trains leaving LaSalle Street Station, Chicago (between 6:00 a.m. and

10:00 p.m.) and operating via either the mainline or the suburban line between Gresham

and Blue Island.  Of these 34 scheduled departures, 11 trains each run from Chicago to

Joliet via the mainline or the suburban line.  One outbound train is routed via the

mainline to Blue Island, while an additional 11 trains per weekday are routed via the

suburban line between Gresham and Blue Island.
Chicago-St. Louis High-Speed Rail 6-47 Tier 1 DEIS 

This does not include deadhead (non‐revenue trains).  Metra‐Rock Island District trains

are stored and serviced at the 47th Street Shops.  This means that there are several

deadhead trips each weekday between 47th and LaSalle Street Station to prepare for

rush service.  In addition, since 47th Street is also Metra’s main overhaul shops, there

may be other deadhead moves bringing shopped or newly‐accepted equipment from

47th Street to connections with other rail carriers in Chicago.  Along the Metra Rock

Island District, less service is provided on the weekends compared to the weekdays.

Overnight and weekend storage/servicing of Rock Island District consists is done at

Metra’s Joliet Yard, which is just east of the Joliet Union Depot, where the Metra‐Rock

Island District crosses the UP and BNSF lines.  

Preliminary March 2012 data for the Rock Island District (considering 35 inbound

revenue trains and 34 outbound revenue trains, as well as 5 deadhead trains in each

direction) indicates that there is one 10‐car train on the line and that there are three 5‐car

consists operated.  All other trains are in this range of capacities.  Inbound trains during

March 2012 operated with a total of 286 cars, of which 172 were open for passenger

occupancy.  The average load per train was 58.7 percent of the available seated capacity.  

Outbound trains in this same time period operated with 279 cars, of which 169 were

open for passenger occupancy.  The average load per train was 61.8 percent of the

available seated capacity.

6.4.2 Build Alternatives 

Implementation of a Build Alternative would not result in changes in the number of

commuter trains operating daily.  For the design year of 2030, the Metra service on

Section 1 is assumed to expand by six trains per day per current Metra plans.  For the

design year of 2030, commuter rail service frequency and capacity was assumed to be

the same as today on Section 2 since ridership has been relatively flat for the last 10

years and the average load per commuter train ranges between was 58.7 percent to 61.8

percent for both sections, and there are no current Metra plans to expand service.

Under the Build Alternatives, additional intercity passenger trains would operate,

potentially affecting commuter rail service.  Commuter rail schedules were evaluated to

determine how much of an affect the Build Alternatives would have on commuter

service.

Build Alternative operations in the Section 1 (Alternatives A and B) would operate on

the same tracks as the Metra Heritage Corridor Line between Chicago Union Station and

Joliet.  This is the route currently used by Chicago to St. Louis trains.  Therefore, under

the Build Alternatives A and B an additional eight intercity passenger trains would be

operating along Section 1.  Build Alternative operations in Section 2 (Alternatives C and

D) would operate with Metra Rock Island District service between 40th Street and Joliet.  

Under Build Alternatives C and D, 18 intercity passenger trains would be added along

Section 2.  Section 6.1.2.1 includes a discussion of how the proposed HSR service would

operate with Metra commuter service between Chicago and Joliet.
Chicago-St. Louis High-Speed Rail 6-48 Tier 1 DEIS 

6.5 Impacts to Rail Service During Construction 

6.5.1 No-Build Alternative 

Under the No‐Build Alternative, construction will be limited to regular maintenance

activities, and improvements as planned by the 2004 ROD improvements.  Therefore,

impacts to railroad operations will be minimal.

6.5.2 Build Alternatives 

Permission and participation from the railroad owners would be obtained for all

construction that would take place within the railroad right‐of‐way.  In general,

construction activities for corridor improvements would affect rail traffic by reducing

operating train speeds through the construction zones, adding to rail travel time and, in

turn, cost.  This would occur when adding new siding tracks, double‐tracks, and

connection tracks, upgrading signals, and modifying grade crossings.  The other impact

would be schedule adjustments for existing operations to create windows of opportunity

for temporary shutdown of rail operations on selected track sections, such as when the

new turnouts are being placed for the passing sections and new sidings, or when there is

a potential safety risk, such as during the construction of a flyover.  During construction,

there may be track outages that would interrupt intercity passenger rail service.  As

necessary, bus service would be provided along the corridor to replace intercity

passenger rail service lost during construction.

6.6 Impacts at Highway-Rail Grade Crossings 

6.6.1 No-Build Alternative 

Based on the 2004 Record of Decision and 2011 EA, at‐grade highway‐rail crossings

through most of Sections 3 through 7 (Joliet to East St. Louis) will be upgraded to

provide four‐quadrant gates and roadway configuration/approach improvements based

on crossing diagnostics.  Under the No‐Build Alternative, no further modification to

grade crossing warning devices in the study corridor would be made.  

6.6.2 Build Alternatives 

Under the Build Alternatives, modifications or further improvements to the four‐

quadrant gates would be installed at all of the public highway‐rail grade crossings.  See

Appendix D for a complete listing of crossings and the proposed crossing warning

device.  For crossings already equipped with four‐quadrant gates, improvements to

accommodate the upgraded service may be required.  For example, where additional

tracks are to be added, crossing surfaces, gates, and other equipment would be relocated

and redesigned to account for the additional track.   

The Build Alternatives would increase vehicular delay at highway‐rail grade crossings

for the following reasons:
Chicago-St. Louis High-Speed Rail 6-49 Tier 1 DEIS 

 Additional intercity passenger rail service:  Gate down time would increase

because the number of passenger trains operating in the corridor would increase

from 10 per day to 18 per day.

 Increase in advance warning time:  All crossings will be equipped with constant

warning time.  Currently, crossing gates are activated approximately 20 to 30

seconds prior to a train reaching the grade crossing.  For high‐speed passenger

trains, crossing gates are planned to activate 80 seconds before a train reaches the

crossing.  This increase in time would cause additional vehicular delay for motorists

using the highway‐rail grade crossing.  This part of implementation of the 2004 ROD

improvements was coordinated with the Illinois Commerce Commission and FRA.

 The combination of additional trains and longer gate down times would increase the

amount of time that a crossing is blocked by approximately 20 minutes per day.

 Every highway‐rail crossing in the study corridor was evaluated for it suitability for

grade separation.  This analysis is also included in Appendix D.  Potential grade

separation locations were identified based on setting (urban or rural) and their

predicted exposure factor, a function of train and vehicular volumes.  At the

conclusion of this evaluation, 101 crossings were identified in the study corridor for

potential grade separation, which would be evaluated further during Tier 2 analysis.

6.7 Impacts to Vehicular Traffic During Construction 

6.7.1 No-Build Alternative 

No construction would occur with the No‐Build Alternative.

6.7.2 Build Alternatives 

Vehicular traffic would be temporarily affected at locations where grade crossings will

be separated, modified, or improved.  While the exact construction zones are not known

at this time, temporary lane closures or roadway closures will be required to construct

the some of the proposed improvements.  The grade crossing improvements would, at a

minimum, require traffic to slow down as it passes through the construction zone while

new warning devices and other improvements are installed.  In some cases, temporary

diversion of traffic to adjacent crossings could be required.

Construction of grade separations would be staged to minimize street closures.  This

would be accomplished primarily by closing the outside lanes during retaining wall and

bridge abutment construction while maintaining traffic on the inside lanes.  The adjacent

parallel streets would be used for detour traffic during street closures.  Another option is

to construct a temporary detour around the construction site. This would reduce the

amount of adverse travel but add to the total project cost.

Where impacts to vehicular traffic exists, emergency services, schools, businesses, and

other activities requiring vehicular access would be affected by potential delays or

detours.  However, construction related impacts on vehicular traffic would be
Chicago-St. Louis High-Speed Rail 6-50 Tier 1 DEIS 

temporary.  Traffic maintenance planning would be coordinated with schools and

emergency service providers.

6.8 Station Access and Parking 

Concept plans have been developed for the stations in Dwight, Pontiac, Lincoln,

Carlinville, and Alton for both the 2004 ROD improvements and full build

improvements, which are included as part of the Build Alternatives evaluated in this

Tier 1 DEIS.  Additionally, under separate projects station improvements are being

pursued in Joliet, Bloomington/Normal, and Alton.  The 2004 ROD improvements and

the station improvements in Joliet and Bloomington/Normal will be implemented as

separate projects independent of this program.  As a result, they are not included as part

of the Build Alternatives for this Tier 1 DEIS.  For the purpose of this evaluation, the

station access and parking for the Tier 1 DEIS Build Alternatives were compared to the

2004 ROD improvements and not existing conditions.  Development of the concept

plans considered projected ridership when determining the number of parking spaces to

be provided and considered vehicular circulation.  A summary of proposed station

improvements is provided in Section 3.3.7.3.

6.8.1 No-Build Alternative 

No station improvements or modifications are included with the No‐Build Alternative.

6.8.2 Build Alternatives 

6.8.2.1 Dwight Station

The Build Alternatives would not result in any changes to access to the station, with

West Main Street and East Main Street still representing the main points of access.  With

regard to parking, depending on the concept plan implemented, the parking

configuration and number of parking spaces would remain the same or result in a

relatively minor reduction in parking spaces.  It is anticipated that the proposed parking

spaces would be sufficient to accommodate the increase in ridership and that there

would be no access or traffic congestion problems associated with the Build

Alternatives.

6.8.2.2 Pontiac Station

The Build Alternatives would not result in any changes to access to the station, with

Washington Street and Water Street still representing the main points of access.  With

regard to parking, depending on the concept plan implemented, the parking

configuration and number of parking spaces would remain relatively the same on the

southeast side of the train station.  The Build Alternatives, however, would involve a

proposed parking expansion on the northwest side of the station at the corner of Ladd

Street and Water Street.  It is anticipated that the proposed parking spaces would be

sufficient to accommodate the increase in ridership and that there would be no access or

traffic congestion problems associated with the Build Alternatives.
Chicago-St. Louis High-Speed Rail 6-51 Tier 1 DEIS 

6.8.2.3 Lincoln Station

The Build Alternatives would not result in any changes to access to the station, with

Sangamon Street and Chicago Street still representing the main points of access.  With

regard to parking, depending on the concept plan implemented, the parking

configuration and number of parking spaces would remain relatively the same with the

exception that the Build Alternatives would provide additional parking spaces along

Sangamon Street and one of the concept plans would also provide additional parking

spaces on the southeast side of the station at the corner of Chicago Street and Pekin

Street.  It is anticipated that the proposed parking spaces would be sufficient to

accommodate the increase in ridership and that there would be no access or traffic

congestion problems associated with the Build Alternatives.

6.8.2.4 Carlinville Station

Under the Build Alternatives, no changes would be made to the station access and

parking.  It is anticipated, that the parking spaces proposed under the 2004 ROD

improvements would be sufficient to accommodate the increase in ridership and that

there would be no access or traffic congestion problems associated with the Build

Alternatives.

6.8.2.5 Alton Station

The Build Alternatives would not result in any changes to access to the new station

location proposed with the 2004 ROD improvements, with Crossroads Court still

representing the main point of access.  With regard to parking, the Build Alternatives

would expand the parking lot to the northeast.  It is anticipated that the proposed

parking spaces would be sufficient to accommodate the increase in ridership and that

there would be no access or traffic congestion problems.  The City of Alton also received

a Transportation Investment Generating Economic Recovery (TIGER) grant that would

be used to relocate the Alton train station to a different location.

6.8.2.6 Other Existing Station Locations

With regard to the Springfield Station, there are currently two alternative routes being

evaluated in this area as part of this Tier 1 DEIS.  The Springfield Rail Improvements

Project Tier 2 Environmental Evaluation studies these routes in greater detail and is

included as Volume II of this Tier 1 DEIS.  Depending on which corridor is identified as

the Preferred Alternative, either a new station at a new location would need to be

developed or the existing station would be renovated.  One of the Build Alternatives

retained in the Tier 1 uses the existing station location. Thus, concept plans for a station

at this location have not been developed yet.  Sufficient sites exist along both corridors to

provide station improvements.  Potential impacts associated with station improvements

in Springfield are evaluated in the Tier 2 Environmental Evaluation.

As for the Joliet and Bloomington/Normal Stations, any access and/or parking

improvements to these stations will be evaluated as separate projects and, therefore, are

not considered in this Tier 1 DEIS.  However, it is anticipated that the parking to be

provided under these separate projects would be sufficient to accommodate the increase

in ridership and that there would be no access or traffic congestion problems.
Chicago-St. Louis High-Speed Rail 6-52 Tier 1 DEIS 

No improvements are included in the Build Alternatives that would change the access

and/or parking at the Chicago, Summit, and St. Louis stations.  Existing station features

would be sufficient to accommodate the increase in ridership and that there would be no

access or traffic congestion problems.

6.8.2.7 Potential New Station Locations

Potential new stations will be evaluated in suburban Chicago (between Chicago and

Joliet) and St. Louis (between St. Louis and Alton).  If this program moves forward, the

potential location for these stations would be evaluated in Tier 2 studies.  However, it is

assumed that the location of new stations would be located immediately off of the

highway (e.g., I‐294 in Chicago and I‐270 in St. Louis).  Additional information

regarding potential new station locations is provided in Section 3.3.7.3.