Water Damage Restoration in Rockford, IL
Owning a home or business is one of the hallmarks of living the American Dream. While there are many fulfilling and positive aspects of owning property, one of the challenges that owners face is property damage. This type of damage can be caused by a range of disasters, both man-made and natural. Of all the types of property damage, water damage is among the most common.
Whether from broken pipes or heavy thunderstorms, it doesn't take a professor from Rockford Career College in Rockford to know that water damage can be incredibly harmful to your home. Water can spread quickly throughout your property, causing damage to furniture and porous materials as it moves. In the blink of an eye, you could be looking at substantial rotting, warping, and even mold growth. That's why water damage restoration in Rockford, IL is so important - to mitigate the damage to your home and help prevent it from happening in the future.
Trying to overcome flooding and other water-related disasters on your own can seem like a lost cause. But with Disaster Response by your side, you don't have to lose hope. As a local water damage clean-up company, we provide comprehensive restoration services to properties of all sizes in Rockford. From the first time we assess your water damage to the time we mitigate and restore, we're here for you.
Dealing with property damage can be overwhelming. You're likely concerned about a few key things:
Navigating the insurance claim process
We guide you through every step, ensuring you understand the process and get the most out of your claim.
Scheduling for a quick and quality completion
We provide a clear timeline for restoration, prioritizing both speed and quality, so you can get back to normal as soon as possible.
You might also be thinking about:
Ensuring the safety and health of your family or employees during the restoration: Our team takes all necessary precautions to protect the safety and health of everyone involved, using the latest techniques and equipment.
Understanding the full scope of the damage and what needs to be done:We conduct a thorough assessment of the damage and provide a detailed plan of action, so you know exactly what to expect.
Knowing the costs upfront and avoiding unexpected expenses: We provide transparent pricing and a detailed estimate before any work begins, so there are no surprises along the way.
Preventing future issues, such as mold growth or structural problems: We don't just fix the visible damage—we address the root causes to prevent future issues, giving you peace of mind.
Protecting your belongings and valuables from further damage: We take extra care to safeguard your possessions during the restoration process, minimizing any further impact.
Minimizing disruption to your daily life or business operations: We work efficiently and flexibly to reduce the disruption to your routine, allowing you to continue with your life or business as smoothly as possible.
Finding a trustworthy team to handle your property with care: Our experienced and highly-trained professionals treat your property as if it were their own, ensuring the highest standard of care.
Ensuring the job is done right the first time: We pride ourselves on doing the job right the first time, using industry-leading techniques and thorough quality checks to ensure lasting results.
Receiving clear communication and updates throughout the restoration process: We keep you informed every step of the way, providing regular updates and clear communication, so you're never left in the dark.
Ensuring the safety and health of your family or employees during the restoration: Our team takes all necessary precautions to protect the safety and health of everyone involved, using the latest techniques and equipment.
At Disaster Response, It's All About You
Like Tinker Swiss Cottage Museum and Gardens in Rockford, Disaster Response has been a pillar of the community for years. As a second-generation disaster response company, we know that our work is never about us. At its most basic, it's always about you—your situation, your needs, and your satisfaction. We engineer our processes to help you quickly recover from water floods and disasters. Our total focus is on you, our valued customer. And that, in a nutshell, is what makes Disaster Response one of the most trusted and highly-rated water restoration companies in Rockford.
Instead of focusing on profit, bottom lines, and yearly projections, we make you our priority. That's why we're serious about providing expert-level disaster preparedness and response services when you need them the most. Could you imagine trying to decipher misleading fine print or dealing with a pushy salesperson when you're just trying to get your life back together? That's not the Disaster Response way, and it never will be.
We don't just clean up after water leaks, floods, or other disasters; we go above and beyond by providing a consultative approach that serves you for years to come. We assist you in dealing with insurance adjusters to ensure you get the coverage you deserve without unnecessary delays. We make it a point to meticulously review every detail of your claim and work hard to make sure adjusters understand the full extent of your losses. We can also provide guidance on how and when to engage a public adjuster to bypass inefficiencies in the insurance process. At the end of the day, we strive to provide peace of mind during your difficult time and work tirelessly to get your property back to its pre-loss condition.
The Disaster Response Difference
Professional Technicians, Technology, and Processes
In fact, we'll dispatch a team of water disaster technicians to you within three minutes. We'll also advise you on what can be done to minimize the water damage in your home or business. Our water damage restoration team will use cutting-edge technology and IICRC-approved methods to restore as much of your property as possible.
Insurance Advocacy
Disaster Response works one-on-one with you and your insurance provider to expedite the claims process and get your home back to normal as soon as possible.
Satisfaction Guaranteed
We're proud of our work and stand behind every project we complete. Our goal is to exceed expectations and provide peace of mind throughout every step of your water damage restoration process. If you're not satisfied for any reason, we'll listen to your concerns and work tirelessly to rectify any issues that need addressing.
Your Guide to Water Damage Restoration in Rockford, IL
Water damage restoration is a key step in remediating damage to your home, both structurally and aesthetically. Damage from water doesn't just affect the walls, floors, and ceilings in your home. It can also cause deeper issues that, when untreated, can weaken your foundation significantly and lead to long-term instability.
As if that weren't enough, water damage can present health hazards to your friends, family, and pets. Mold and bacteria can grow in damp areas after water incidents, causing allergies, respiratory problems, and even visits to Bickford of Rockford in Rockford for examination. Ignoring water damage can also result in irreversible harm to your belongings, including furniture, electronics, and sentimental items, leading to financial loss and emotional distress. Professional water clean-up services can repair the damage to your property, help protect valuable assets, and re-establish your home or business as a safe, healthy environment for occupants.
What Makes Our Water Damage Company in Rockford, IL, Different from Others?
One of the most common questions we get at Disaster Response is, "What separates you from other water damage clean-up companies in Rockford?" The first and easiest answer to that question centers around our commitment to customer service. We hold our clients in high regard because, without them, there would be no Disaster Response. As such, we work tirelessly to provide them with quality work from friendly and helpful technicians, regardless of the size of their home or business.
But that's just the start. Our clients recommend friends and family to our business because we prioritize the following:
Cost
Investing in damage restoration for your home is a smart move that can help reduce long-term costs. The best part? Our services are covered by insurance companies, so there's less worry about paying out of pocket.
Technicians
Every member of our team has years of experience, specialized training, and certifications in handling water damage. We prioritize our customers' well-being and meticulously attend to every detail to prevent any potential mold-related issues in the future. From single-family homes to
Time
Water disasters happen quicker than you might think. One moment, you're enjoying family time at Sinnissippi Park in Rockford. The next, you're pulling in your driveway to a flooded home. When you call our office, we'll get to work assessing the cause of your water damage and how extensive the water damage is in your home or business. From there, we'll dispatch a team of IICRC water damage restoration experts to your location.
Tools
Disaster Response has made significant investments in cutting-edge water damage equipment, including inspection tools that enable thorough water removal. Our technicians have undergone extensive training to operate these machines and know when and when not to use them.
Process
For over 40 years, we have been helping with water damage issues, refining our process along the way. We can quickly find hidden damages that others might miss and document everything for your insurance company.
Reliable Water Damage Restoration Network
We aren't afraid to ask for help if it means a safer, more enjoyable environment for your family or customers. In fact, we have access to a network of industry pros who are experts in a range of water damage services. To make your life a little easier, we also work with insurance professionals who assist with the claims process.
What Does Disaster Response Fix?
As an IICRC-certified water damage contractor in Rockford, IL, our technicians can address several areas of your home or business that have been damaged by a water disaster.
- Floors: It's very important to take the necessary time and steps to effectively dry your floors to prevent any potential water damage and mold growth in the future.
- Walls: Depending on the amount of water that enters your business or home, the structural integrity of your property may be at stake. Our technicians will evaluate the situation, inspect your property, and replace materials damaged by water.
- Rugs: If your rugs get wet during flooding or from another water disaster, they may be salvageable. We'll work hard to save all the rugs in your property.
- Furniture: Your furniture is probably expensive and may hold a certain level of sentimental value. Instead of throwing it away or donating it to Midway Village Museum in Rockford, we can repair and restore it.
Disaster Response specializes in every kind of damage caused by rain, wind, or snowstorms. We handle water damage, mold, mildew, and more, and can be at your home or office within an hour of your call to assess the situation and put a water damage restoration plan into action.
What Tools Does Disaster Response Use for Water Damage Clean-Up?
We only use the best equipment! With our extensive experience in the Rockford restoration industry, we've acquired state-of-the-art tools designed to tackle a wide range of challenges. This experience has also allowed our technicians to identify which type of equipment is best for a particular situation. Some of the most common water damage restoration tools we use include:
Infrared Cameras
Our infrared cameras give us the ability to see moisture in walls and ceilings that is not visible to the naked eye, almost like having "X-ray" vision. This capability allows us to detect and address trapped and hidden humidity, significantly reducing the risk of mold growth.
Moisture Meters
We use moisture meters to measure moisture levels in cellulose material. Before and after the drying process, we will conduct moisture readings in all areas of your property. If we detect moisture in an unaffected area of your building, we'll get to work quickly to dry it.
Air Movers
This equipment is designed to work in conjunction with our dehumidifiers. While our dehumidifiers extract moisture from the air and convert it to a liquid, our Air Mover helps to circulate this moisture in the air so that the dehumidifier can effectively remove it.
Ozone Generators
These advanced tools enable us to cleanse affected surfaces and the air in a more effective manner. Ozone Generators work by causing oxygen molecules to implode, making them a valuable deodorization tool.
Xtreme Xtractor
This tool is great for tackling tough moisture after water damage. It allows us to apply direct pressure to a surface, like a carpet, that has soaked up water. The pressure helps draw out the water, making it easier to remove.
Top 3 Types of Water Damage You Should Know About
Water damage can strike without warning and can wreak havoc on your property, leaving you feeling hopeless and overwhelmed. Whether it's from a burst pipe, a severe storm, or an overflowing appliance, your property needs immediate water damage clean-up in Rockford, IL, to prevent further harm. Here are the top three types of water damage you should know about:
Clean Water Damage
This type of water damage happens from a "clean" source, such as rainwater or a broken pipe in your home. It's easier to clean up than others on this list but can still cause extensive property damage when ignored.
Gray Water Damage
Gray water damage stems from appliances such as toilets without feces, washing machines, and dishwashers. Gray water sometimes contains bacteria and contaminants that can make you or your family sick.
Black Water Damage
The name alone indicates the severity of this type of water damage. It's caused by backed-up sewer lines, river flooding, and standing water that supports bacteria growth. Black water presents serious health hazards and needs to be handled by professional water damage contractors.
If you suspect your home or business has been damaged by one or more of the types of water above, take the following steps:
- Be Safe: Turn off all electricity running through your property. Don't go near or touch any water you believe to be contaminated.
- Stop the Source of Water: If you're able, put a stop to the water at its source. That way, you can prevent more damage.
- Call Disaster Response: Contact our water damage company ASAP for water restoration services. Our team is available 24/7 to respond to emergencies.
Our Process for Water Damage Restoration in Rockford, IL
Having a water damage restoration company by your side who knows how to remediate moisture is a key factor in getting your life back on track. At Disaster Response, we have refined our process over 40+ years of water damage clean-up experience. That way, we can provide customers with reliable, comprehensive service when they need it the most.
We utilize powerful pumps and vacuums to eliminate standing water from your property. Swift water removal is essential in minimizing damage and lowering the likelihood of mold growth. Our team is dedicated to ensuring efficient water extraction to prevent any additional complications.
After extracting water from your property, we dry and dehumidify the impacted areas. We use industrial-grade dehumidifiers and air movers to do so to eliminate moisture from walls, floors, and furniture. Proper drying helps prevent warping, swelling, and the growth of mold.
Whenever we deal with water damage, we have to address the potential contaminants and bacteria that can enter your home. We make sure to thoroughly clean and sanitize all affected areas to create a safe living environment. This involves cleaning carpets, upholstery, and personal belongings. Our technicians also use antimicrobial treatments to prevent mold and bacterial growth.
The final step in the process is the restoration of your home to its pre-damage condition. This comprehensive restoration process may encompass a range of tasks, from minor repairs such as replacing drywall and installing new carpeting to major reconstruction efforts. Rest assured that Disaster Response is fully equipped to manage all aspects of water damage restoration, from start to finish.
- Maintenance: Have your business or home's roof, appliances, and plumbing inspected by professionals to spot early signs of wear and tear.
- Water Alarms: If there is a flood or leak in your home, a water alarm can alert you so that you can take action immediately.
- Drainage: Your home needs proper drainage systems in place at all times. To prevent water buildup, be sure to unclog your downspouts and gutters.
- Cracks and Gaps: Be sure to seal up any cracks and gaps in your property's foundation to limit water from getting inside.
The Water Damage Company in Rockford, IL, You Can Trust
When you want a great steak, you don't go to a fast-food joint and expect a filet. You go to a Abreo in Rockford. When you need quality disaster response services from licensed professionals, you don't go to a fly-by-night shop. You contact Disaster Response.
As a local water damage clean-up business, we believe that providing clients with effective service that they can rely on in times of stress is of utmost importance. While some of our competitors prioritize profits over people, you can rest easy knowing we care about you - and that's something you can always count on when you choose our water damage company.
Whether a pipe has burst in your commercial space and your showroom is flooding, or your home has standing water from a Rockford rainstorm, we're here for you 24/7. Contact our office to learn more about the Disaster Response difference or to schedule an inspection for your property today.
Contact Your Emergency Disaster Response Now!
Latest News in Rockford, IL
Giving Back In Rockford: Local Causes To Support This Season
Rockford, IL Patchhttps://patch.com/illinois/rockford/giving-back-rockford-local-causes-support-season
Celebrate Giving Tuesday all season long by donating, volunteering and spreading the word about these amazing local organizations.Patch Holiday, Patch StaffGiving Tuesday is a global movement that encourages people to give back to their communities, typically through charitable donations, volunteer work or acts of kindness. It takes place annually on the Tuesday following Thanksgiving in the U.S., right after Black Friday and ...
Celebrate Giving Tuesday all season long by donating, volunteering and spreading the word about these amazing local organizations.
Patch Holiday, Patch Staff
Giving Tuesday is a global movement that encourages people to give back to their communities, typically through charitable donations, volunteer work or acts of kindness. It takes place annually on the Tuesday following Thanksgiving in the U.S., right after Black Friday and Cyber Monday. While it's celebrated widely, the real impact happens when we do good right at home by supporting local businesses, causes and organizations working to uplift our own communities.
We've rounded up a list of some great organizations, causes and initiatives in the Rockford area. Please keep in mind, this is by no means an exhaustive list — just a starting point for discovering amazing local opportunities to give back, not only on Giving Tuesday but year-round! Be sure to contact each organization directly to find out about their hours or the best ways you can contribute.
Keep Northern Illinois Beautiful (KNIB) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to improving the environment through education, awareness and community involvement. Volunteers play a crucial role in initiatives like recycling drives, litter prevention and beautification projects, helping to make Northern Illinois a clean and green place to live.Learn more: knib.org
Winnebago County CASA empowers volunteers to advocate for abused or neglected children in the juvenile court system, ensuring their best interests are represented. Volunteers serve as fact-finders, courtroom advocates and watchdogs, working to find safe, permanent homes for these children. As of the time of publication, they are seeking over 100 new volunteers to help meet the community's needs.Learn more: winnebagocountycasa.org
Volunteering with the Boys & Girls Club of Rockford offers the chance to positively impact youth through homework help, coaching, mentoring or teaching arts. Volunteers build healthy relationships, serving as role models in programs for academic success and sports and recreation.Learn more: rgreatfutures.org
Find out what's happening in Rockfordwith free, real-time updates from Patch.
Volunteers are the backbone of Rockford Area Habitat for Humanity, directly impacting the community by building homes, supporting the ReStore and more. Opportunities include construction, processing donations, customer service and providing lunches for volunteers.Learn more: rockfordhabitat.org
United Way of Rock River Valley has been a vital part of the Winnebago County community for over 100 years, addressing critical local needs through various impact areas such as youth opportunity, community resiliency and financial security. Volunteers are essential in initiatives like the United for Literacy program, the 211 helpline and the Strong Neighborhoods program, providing valuable support and resources.Learn more: unitedwayrrv.org
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Accuride bankruptcy puts Gunite, Rockford’s oldest manufacturer, on the market
Nathaniel Langleyhttps://www.wifr.com/2024/10/17/accuride-bankruptcy-puts-gunite-rockfords-oldest-manufacturer-market/
ROCKFORD, Ill. (WIFR) - A smokestack climbs from the Gunite manufacturing plant. The scene burns with industry – semi-trucks roll in and out of the plant while cement structures the size of school buses lay on the ground.Down the street is the Behr Den – serving...
ROCKFORD, Ill. (WIFR) - A smokestack climbs from the Gunite manufacturing plant. The scene burns with industry – semi-trucks roll in and out of the plant while cement structures the size of school buses lay on the ground.
Down the street is the Behr Den – serving Rockford’s manufacturing southside since 1896; the Gunite plant is older than the Behr Den – opening in 1854.
“This is a great place to come,” says Jennifer Briggs – the Behr Den owner. “We feel like family. Everybody talks. Sometimes you can’t hear yourself think.”
The owner describes mornings with booths full of workers from Behr and Gunite, “You see all different walks of life here. They sit next to each other. They talk to each other. There’s no judgements here.”
On October 9, wheels manufacturer Accuride, Gunite’s owner, announced its Chapter 11 bankruptcy. In a statement to WIFR, the UAW Local 718, representing part of the plant’s 285 hourly workers, revealed the company wouldn’t “move forward” with the Rockford factory.
“If Gunite does not sell before the bankruptcy is cleared, Accuride will close the plant,” writes a Local 718 representative. That “cleared” date is set for January – once the restructuring is complete.
Briggs learned of the closure on Wednesday. She credits Gunite workers for keeping the Behr Den open during the pandemic, “Gunite kept us alive. Every day we were feeding 20 people from there. Breakfast, sometimes lunch too.”
Angela Larson – Greater Rockford Chamber of Commerce CEO – credits plants like Gunite for forging the city.
“In the beginning, we had a lot of immigrants who came here and built furniture,” reports Larson. “That furniture needed fasteners to be held together.”
However, the CEO sees Accuride’s size as susceptible to financial situations like now, “I think we’ll see a lot of that in the years ahead as companies, through succession planning, change hands.”
Still, hope for a new owner keeps spirits high for those supporting local manufacturing.
“I hope they don’t close. I hope they stay open, and they prosper and bring business to the Rockford area,” maintains Briggs.
Larson sees the area as transitioning to higher skilled labor: “We have phenomenal training and education programs, to keep up-skilling and helping workers build even better careers here.”
Other industries excite the CEO, with Larson claiming, “This is a very exciting time to be doing business in Rockford. We are a leader in transportation with our cargo expertise at the airport. We’re the thirteenth largest cargo export in the country.”
The company’s restructuring won’t affect Mexican, European and Asian subsidiaries. All plants will operate “as usual” until the January deadline for buyers to scoop assemblies like Gunite.
Accuride tells WIFR in a statement:
Copyright 2024 WIFR. All rights reserved.
Hazardous site cleanup on 11th Street in Rockford could impact traffic
Sydni Stoffregenhttps://www.wifr.com/2024/10/02/hazardous-site-cleanup-11th-street-rockford-could-impact-traffic/
ROCKFORD, Ill. (WIFR) - The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency asks residents to prepare for heavy traffic as they begin an environmental cleanup project.Forest City residents will soon say goodbye to the former Illinois Cabinet Company building, a structure that has sat at 2525 11th St. for more than a century. From 1906 to 1973, the building manufactured wooden furniture, including cabinets for TVs. From ‘73 on, it sat vacant until 2023 when the property owner hired a salvage company to remove valuable building materials. Th...
ROCKFORD, Ill. (WIFR) - The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency asks residents to prepare for heavy traffic as they begin an environmental cleanup project.
Forest City residents will soon say goodbye to the former Illinois Cabinet Company building, a structure that has sat at 2525 11th St. for more than a century. From 1906 to 1973, the building manufactured wooden furniture, including cabinets for TVs. From ‘73 on, it sat vacant until 2023 when the property owner hired a salvage company to remove valuable building materials. This decision weakened the five-story structure.
In December 2023, a fire broke out on the 1.6-acre site creating enough extensive damage for the city to have the building condemned. The fire also revealed large amounts of asbestos-contaminated debris, more than the City of Rockford could handle on their own.
“A building material salvage contractor had done some work, had illegally removed some asbestos and that asbestos was still in the building,” Brownfields redevelopment specialist Rob Wilhelmi says. “With the potential threat to human health and the environment we needed additional resources to address this.”
That’s where the EPA stepped in to help. Free of charge to the city, the agency will remove the debris and take precautions to limit the spread of the asbestos before taking the building down. The contaminated materials will then be taken to an approved facility for disposal. Throughout the process, the EPA will also monitor the air to make sure asbestos fibers remain in the site.
Decades of vacancy turned the building into a hot spot for trespassers who do not realize the danger of the site. EPA on-site coordinator Colin Hendrickson explains asbestos can cause all kinds of respiratory illnesses including lung cancer and mesothelioma.
“Get out the word that entering a site like this is putting yourself at risk as well as also risking the public because there is a potential that you could be carrying asbestos fibers off-site on your close and on your shoes,” Hendrickson says.
After demolition, Wilhelmi shares that there is no plan in the works to replace the building.
“Our primary concern is just to limit the impact to the environment and hopefully re-position the site for re-development in the future,” Wilhelmi says.
The sidewalk outside the site on 11th St. will be closed temporarily as the project goes on, as well as a temporary lane closure in the street. The EPA warns residents they will hear an increase in noise and see more congested traffic.
To keep up to date with the 11th Street project visit the EPA’s website here.
Copyright 2024 WIFR. All rights reserved.
Development at Rockford’s US-20 and IL-2 interchange could soon bring 37,000 jobs
Reanne Weilhttps://www.mystateline.com/news/development-at-rockfords-us-20-and-il-2-interchange-could-soon-bring-37000-jobs/
ROCKFORD, Ill. (WTVO) — The large land surrounding the US-20 and IL-2 interchange could be used for industrial development very soon.Monday night, the City of Rockford accepted federal funding from the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) for $400,000 to implement a Planning and Environmental Linkage study. This study will be used to determine what should be developed and how much can fit on the land.According to the city, this area is a great location for businesses to set up. It is northwest o...
ROCKFORD, Ill. (WTVO) — The large land surrounding the US-20 and IL-2 interchange could be used for industrial development very soon.
Monday night, the City of Rockford accepted federal funding from the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) for $400,000 to implement a Planning and Environmental Linkage study. This study will be used to determine what should be developed and how much can fit on the land.
According to the city, this area is a great location for businesses to set up. It is northwest of the Chicago-Rockford International Airport and just 4.5 miles from downtown Rockford. Second Ward Alderman Jonathan Logemann said this is exactly where development should be.
“When you see those airplanes, Amazon Prime, UPS, you just think about all the opportunity that can exist,” Logemann said. “That’s not there right now with the growth of the South Main corridor. I think moving this along is important to South Rockford and important to our overall region.”
Logemann said the project is designed to give local business owners some help from the city.
“It’s hard work being a developer and undergoing all the costs and all the construction costs,” Logemann said. “We as a city are trying to make it as easy as we can. Ultimately, economic development helps every Rockfordian.”
The project is estimated to create about 37,000 jobs for the area. President of Rockford Chamber of Commerce Caitlin Pusateri said this is a great opportunity for Rockford’s future.
“It’s a big task, but it’s an exciting one and one that’s really based on opportunity,” Pusateri said. “If you think about an organization, if they come in and they bring 500 jobs, that could be 500 new people that are putting money into our economy, that are volunteering with our nonprofits, that are giving back their time, talent and resources to small businesses in our area. Everyone grows when things like that happen.”
Logemann said the project is still in its early stages, but these planning sessions are necessary for moving forward.
“It’s not something that’s going to happen tomorrow, but having these plans in place, I think is smart planning by city hall and hopefully it’ll pay dividends to our good citizens here in Rockford,” Logemann said.
The city wants to invest $2.5 million into this project for the future development, but Logemann said not every Alderman is on board with the investment. The board will be voting on that item at the next meeting on September 30.
IDOT unveils what’s left before construction starts on Rockford-Chicago Metra train
Nathaniel Langleyhttps://www.wifr.com/2024/09/11/idot-unveils-whats-left-before-construction-starts-rockford-chicago-metra-train/
ROCKFORD, Ill. (WIFR) - Carolyn Cadigan has called Rockford home the last three decades. At an Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) open house on Tuesday, she sees a comeback for the community arriving on rails.“I think we’re growing a lot,” says Cadigan. “I know people are coming from all over the country to live in the Midwest.”According to the Rockford resident, that “growth” should lead t...
ROCKFORD, Ill. (WIFR) - Carolyn Cadigan has called Rockford home the last three decades. At an Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) open house on Tuesday, she sees a comeback for the community arriving on rails.
“I think we’re growing a lot,” says Cadigan. “I know people are coming from all over the country to live in the Midwest.”
According to the Rockford resident, that “growth” should lead to the return of Rockford passenger rail service – not seen since 1981 when the “Black Hawk” route ended due to limited funding.
IDOT’s public meeting in the Veteran Memorial Hall offered the latest on the Chicago to Rockford Intercity Passenger Rail Program. Since the last open house meeting in 2023, project leaders provided specific details on what’s next for the program.
“We’re still on on target for our 2027 beginning of service,” says Scott Speegle – IDOT’s passenger rail marketing director. The $275 million project (funded by Governor J.B. Pritzker’s Rebuild Illinois capital program) plans for passenger rail between Rockford and Chicago with stops in Elgin, Huntley and Belvidere.
Like many in the stateline, Cadigan’s trips to Chicago start on the road before boarding a Metra train in McHenry County: “I’ve always been driving the 45 minutes to Harvard. And that’s fine, but then you take a whole lot more on the train.”
By 2027, the planned route could bring Cadigan and others in Rockford to downtown Chicago in 95 minutes. At Tuesday’s meeting, project organizers like Speegle nailed down exactly how IDOT will achieve Cadigan’s transportation dream.
Speegle states the principal improvement needed for Rockford’s rail service will be connecting Union Pacific and Metra lines in Elgin.
“That’ll be a major piece. Without that, we won’t get trains out here,” says Speegle. The marketing director doesn’t expect complications to link those rails; no new tracks are needed as well, only upgrades to existing infrastructure.
Other necessary work includes improved crossings, evaluating tracks to support train speeds up to 79 mph, enhancing warning devices and revamping the Rock River rail bridge.
State Senator Steve Stadelman (D-Loves Park) helped secure the $275 million from Governor Pritzker. Seeing Tuesday’s open house fill with dozens of excited community members proved to him Rockford is on the “right track” for development.
Still, the state senator points out Rockford stands nearly alone in an unpleasant club compared to Illinois’ major cities: no rail service.
“We’re really kind of behind the curve as far as transportation options in this community and having an easy access to Chicago,” says Sen. Stadelman.
Living in Rockford without access to a train, Cadigan agrees with the lawmaker – adding she feels left out compared to past Illinoisans: “Abraham Lincoln rode the train to Chicago. It’s like, why can’t we?”
The Rockford resident, among others in the Veteran Memorial Hall, claims they’re “all aboard” Rockford’s incoming train.
“They like to see the community getting excited. It just gathers excitement,” says Cadigan.
Similar presentations will be available across the stateline in the coming weeks. Belvidere is up next: IDOT will be at the Rivers Edge Recreation Center from 4 to 7 p.m. on Sept. 11.
Copyright 2024 WIFR. All rights reserved.