Mold Remediation in Rockford, IL

ROCKFORD, Ill. (WIFR) - We now have a better idea of what to expect when passenger rail service returns to Rockford.

The Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) says Rockford is the largest city in the state without a train service, but people could soon be able to hop on a train there and get to Chicago in roughly two hours.

The ticketing process and prices for these trips are also being worked out.

“This is a high priority for IDOT and we’re working as hard as we can to get this delivered,” says Scott Speegle, IDOT passenger rail marketing manager.

IDOT plans to break ground on a passenger rail service from Chicago to Rockford in 2025; something the Forest City hasn’t seen since 1981.

Amtrak had a route named Blackhawk which ran from 1974 to 1981. It ended because of a decrease in funding and motor vehicles becoming people’s transportation of choice.

“It’s a driver for economic development, but also it provides opportunities for Rockford residents to not have to get on the tollway and sit in traffic, but can ride the train into Chicago,” says Speegle.

Before laying the rails, IDOT must conduct surveys, create initial designs and reach agreements with communities among other things. The state agency project is set to start construction at any point of the near 90-mile corridor sometime in 2025.

This is a state-funded project. In 2019, Governor J.B. Pritzker announced $275 million of the $45 billion Rebuild Illinois Capital Plan will be provided for this project.

Here are some proposed improvements:

There will be two round trips per day: One in the morning and one in the evening, with stops in Elgin, Huntley, and Belvidere.

IDOT also has plans for a round-trip freight train operating between Belvidere and Huntley as needed.

The IDOT design team is working on preferred station locations. Facilities and amenities include seating in passenger waiting shelters and platforms for passenger trains, parking (including bicycles) and information displays to show when the next train will arrive.

There will be no restaurants, stores or bathrooms at the passenger stations, according to IDOT.

“We‘ve got a lot of questions from people who are excited. Other people say ’Oh, really?’ It‘s a long story. I tell them that it’s coming soon. 2025 is the year,” says Greater Rockford Arab Chamber of Commerce President Mustafa Abdall.

The commerce says communication is important which is why they invited IDOT to share this information with its group Wednesday. Dozens of people also tuned into the meeting via a live Facebook stream.

While there are a lot of residents happy about this project, there are some who say they will believe it when they see it.

“It is coming. And if you go through the presentation, you will know why it took time. It’s not one click,” says Abdall.

“Once we do actually begin some construction work, people will get the message that it is going to happen,” says Speegle.

All designs for the project are in the works.

IDOT anticipates starting this service by 2027.

Those interested in learning more about the project can subscribe to the mailing list. You can also submit a comment via email: info@chicagotorockfordrail.com

Copyright 2024 WIFR. All rights reserved.

ROCKFORD, Ill. (WIFR) - The air leaving the former Illinois National Guard Armory makes you hold your breath as you walk near. A humid scent carries decades of history from the 88-year-old structure.

Since 2006, the City of Rockford owned the National Register of Historic Places site. In July, city council members put the Armory on the market.

On Monday, lawmakers unanimously approved the Rockford Area Arts Council’s bid for the nearly 57,000 sq. ft. property. Alderman Mark Bonne (D-14) believes the $1,000 purchase couldn’t be a better deal for the city.

“If it weren’t such a risky proposition, we wouldn’t be in this position,” contends Ald. Bonne. “In fact, there have been many other interested parties.”

Those rumored parties included a potential aquarium. However, none materialized until the Arts Council’s recent bid.

“I know that the thought was, ‘Let it sit there. Someday there will be a buyer for it,’” reflects Alderman Frank Beach (R-10). “If the Art Council wants to take it, they’re gonna have to spend a lot of money.”

The Arts Council sees the Armory as the future hub for Rockford culture. Its development plan proposes 26-30 affordable studio apartments and extra space for the Rockford Dance Company, Rockford Art Museum and Rockford Symphony Orchestra offices.

For Ald. Beach, the ideas boost the neighboring Riverfront Museum Park, “That will bring more people – their most energy – in that area for people to enjoy, whether they’re Rockford residents or whether their tourists coming in town.”

Development depends on a cleanup grant from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Funding for “brownfield sites” – i.e., properties where redevelopment may be “complicated” due to hazardous substances, pollutants or contaminants – ranges from $500,000 to $4 million.

In its bid to the city, the Arts Council writes it will return the Armory if the grant isn’t awarded. Although Ald. Bonne isn’t involved in the grant process, he trusts developers like Urban Equity Properties and Gorman Company bring confidence to the project.

“It’s another step in what’s been a long but steady evolution of downtown,” contends Ald. Bonne.

Because of grant requirements, the Arts Council must host a public meeting for community input. That’s planned for Wednesday, Nov. 6, inside the Nordloff Center (118 N. Main St., Rockford) at noon.

An estimated timeline stretching to 2027 will also be discussed – covering the environmental required. Until the building’s restored, the City of Rockford maintains its lawn care and snow removal.

Copyright 2024 WIFR. All rights reserved.