Rail investments will keep Illinois on track forward
With nearly 1 in 4 U.S. freight trains and half of all intermodal trains passing through Chicago, rail remains the economic backbone of Illinois. As former head of the Illinois Department of Transportation, I’ve seen how rail fuels growth and opportunity. Yet decades of underinvestment have limited our potential, leading families and companies to seek better prospects elsewhere.
The path forward is clear: Invest in infrastructure to drive economic growth. The 2003 Chicago Region Environmental and Transportation Efficiency, or CREATE program, proved what’s possible. This $5.8 billion public-private partnership improved safety, eased congestion and modernized freight and passenger lines. The results were transformative — 44,000 new jobs, $31.5 billion in economic benefits and a more competitive business environment. Private investments like the CenterPoint Intermodal Center in Elwood have yielded similar success, generating jobs, tax revenue and renewed business interest in Illinois.
Now, new rail investments offer a powerful way to revive Illinois’ declining economy. Canadian National’s new logistics hub in Grundy County will relieve pressure on Chicago’s freight network while spurring local growth. Construction will create 600 good-paying jobs, and once operational, the facility will employ 6,865 workers and generate more than $850 million annually in economic output. The resulting $20 million in yearly tax revenue will fund schools, roads and public services — directly improving families’ lives.
The Springfield Rail Improvements Project represents another strategic investment. This $544 million initiative will reduce congestion, enhance safety and modernize transportation through rail consolidation, bridge reconstruction and a new multimodal center. As Sen. Tammy Duckworth, D-Ill., said, “Investing in our rail infrastructure is critical for growing our economy.” The project will also support good-paying jobs and long-term regional competitiveness.
Together, these projects exemplify the power of rail to drive growth. Every $1 invested in railroads generates $2.50 in economic activity, and every rail job creates nearly four more in industries like manufacturing and logistics. For Illinois — a state eager to retain and attract businesses — the returns are undeniable.
Because 25% of all U.S. freight trains and 50% of intermodal trains pass through metro Chicago, Illinois’ investments strengthen not only its own economy but the entire nation’s supply chain. The state stands at a crossroads: Hesitate, and opportunities slip away; invest, and Illinois can once again lead as the engine of America’s growth.
Milton Sees, former secretary, Illinois Department of Transportation and former chairman, Capitol City Railroad Relocation Authority