U.S. Rep. Nikki Budzinski (D-IL), and Sens. Dick Durbin and Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) said the final segment of the Springfield Rail Improvements Project (SRIP) can move forward now that the U.S. Department of Transportation has fully obligated $157 million to the project.
The multi-phased project is designed to alleviate rail congestion in downtown Springfield by consolidating train traffic from Third Street to 10th Street and by constructing a series of overpasses and underpasses along the corridor. Officials said the funding will also provide for a new Transportation Center to be constructed.
“Securing funding for the Springfield Rail Improvements Project has been a top priority of mine, and with the funding now finalized, we’re one step closer to transforming our downtown, reducing rail noise, and making our streets safer. This project is also creating good-paying union jobs, benefiting families across our community,” Budzinski said. “I’m incredibly proud to have worked alongside Senators Durbin and Duckworth to bring this vital funding home.”
The final phase of the project includes rail improvements, track realignments and the construction of a new Amtrak Station in Springfield, as well as completion of the final segment of track realignment to consolidate the Union Pacific and Norfolk Southern corridors into one multitrack corridor through the city. Officials said the project will also include the construction of a Multimodal Transportation Center to improve connectivity among intercity passenger rail, local bus service and intercity bus service.
“I’m thrilled to see the final phase of the Springfield Rail Improvements Project come to fruition,” Durbin said. “Connecting communities is at the heart of transportation and today’s final federal commitment for a new Amtrak Station, rail improvements, and track realignment in Springfield will better connect passengers between St. Louis and Chicago. The Springfield Rail Improvements Project is dramatically changing downtown Springfield by reducing rail congestion, creating jobs, and improving safety for passengers, drivers, and pedestrians.”