Amtrak and its Midwestern partners have been awarded up to 300 million USD from the Federal Railroad Administration’s (FRA) Consolidated Rail Infrastructure and Safety Improvements (CRISI) programme.
This funding supports projects like the Chicago Hub Improvement Program (CHIP), part of Amtrak’s strategy to enhance service in the Chicago area, with the aim of doubling national ridership by 2040.
“These grants will directly support Amtrak priorities, including the Chicago Hub Improvement Program (CHIP) – an Amtrak-led Midwest megaproject aimed at improving passenger rail service into Chicago – and advance our goal to double Amtrak ridership nationwide by 2040.”
The grants are part of a broader investment initiative under the Biden-Harris Administration.
“This week’s CRISI grants are part of a series of unprecedented rail investments under the Biden-Harris Administration to improve and expand America’s rail networks, including our passenger rail network. CRISI grants will benefit several Amtrak routes in the Midwest that riders rely on every day and potential future corridors that would contribute to further growth in the region.”
Key Amtrak projects supported by the CRISI grants include:
- Wolverine and Blue Water Capacity Enhancement (up to 8.4 million USD): To finalise designs to increase capacity on a 19-mile stretch of the Amtrak-owned Michigan Line, which is critical for the Wolverine and Blue Water services between Michigan and Chicago.
- Grade Crossing Shunt Enhancement Safety Project (up to 58.8 million USD): To equip 443 locomotives and 192 cab cars with new Onboard Shunt Enhancement devices to improve grade crossing reliability.
Several other projects across the Midwest have also received funding and will likewise benefit Amtrak customers:
- Springfield Rail Improvements (157.1 million USD): This funding supports rail infrastructure improvements in Springfield, Illinois.
- Muskego Yard Bypass Project (72.8 million USD): The Wisconsin Department of Transportation will use this grant to enhance freight and passenger rail movement.
- Future of Midwest Passenger Rail-Phase 1 (1.84 million USD): The Midwest Interstate Passenger Rail Commission will conduct studies to explore expanding regional rail services.
