High-Speed Rail for the US, Finally!

Twin Cities (Minneapolis/St. Paul) – Madison – Milwaukee – Chicago

Wisconsin and Minnesota are recieving $823 million for approximately 441 miles of track that connect their main cities with Chicago.

Although this a major region in the Midwest, there is currently no passenger rail service between Milwaukee and Madison.

“Using grants from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA), intercity passenger rail service will be established between Milwaukee and Madison with stops in Brookeld, Oconomowoc, and Watertown at speeds of up to 110 mph. Service is expected by 2013.

Improvements between Chicago and Milwaukee will ultimately reduce travel time by more than 30 percent and increase maximum speeds from 79 mph to 110 mph. Eventually, passengers will be able to travel from Chicago to the Twin Cities at a top speed of 110 mph, saving time and energy compared to driving.”

Chicago – St. Louis – Kansas City

Illinois and Missouri were granted $1.133 billion to upgrade 570 miles of track connecting Kansas City and St. Louis to Chicago as well.

“The corridor connects Chicago, IL to St. Louis, MO and Kansas City, MO. Currently, five daily round trips operate between Chicago and St. Louis and two daily round trips operate between St. Louis and Kansas City. Ultimately, the long-term vision for the corridor is to reach speeds of 110mph from Chicago to St. Louis to Kansas City, with up to eight daily round trips between Chicago and St. Louis.”

Image Credit 1: The White House
Image Credit 2: The White House