Decatur Residents Asked to Weigh In on High-Speed Rail Study

Decatur residents have another opportunity to weigh in on a proposed statewide high-speed rail network that could connect Central Illinois with Chicago and the St. Louis area.

The Illinois High-Speed Railway Commission is accepting public feedback through November 6 as part of its ongoing feasibility study.

The Illinois Department of Transportation is studying possible routes, expected ridership, ticket revenue, construction costs, operating expenses and environmental impacts. The goal is to determine whether a statewide high-speed rail network is practical and how it could be developed.

Decatur is among the communities identified for potential connections under the state’s plan, which calls for a rail network linking Chicago and St. Louis while connecting other major cities across Illinois.

For Decatur and Macon County, the proposal could eventually provide another transportation option for people traveling to other parts of the state. Depending on the route and service ultimately selected, it could also create opportunities for tourism, business travel and connections to other transportation services.

However, no final route has been selected, and the study does not mean a project has been approved or funded.

City officials are encouraging residents to participate in the feedback process, saying input from Decatur and Macon County could help make sure the area is considered as plans move forward.

Residents can review the route options and study information and submit comments online at ILHighSpeedRail.com. The deadline to provide feedback is November 6.

For more information, visit ILHighSpeedRail.com.