ROCKFORD, Ill. (WREX) — The Chicago to Rockford Passenger Rail has been years in the making. The community was invited out to learn more during a series of Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) meetings to answer questions.

The much anticipated project is on track for service to start by the end of 2027.

Many are excited about the new route, like Richard Lopez who commutes daily from Rockford to Chicago, catching the train in Elgin.

“It gives us back an extra two hours to sit and do work, catch up on things that we have to do in the evening so that way when we get home, dinner, to bed, and relax, so this is a great alternative to that,” said Lopez.

Much of the progress made on the passenger rail has been behind the scenes, IDOT plans to begin construction in the Spring of 2026.

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