Expanded Rail Service For Northern Illinois

"One key priority for me as I return to Springfield is to work toward securing a Huntley Amtrak stop as part of the Chicago-Dubuque (Iowa) route which is currently under development." That was the statement recently made by State Representative Mike Tryon, R-64.

He adds, "Research tells us that an estimated 100,000 plus residents from Huntley and other McHenry County communities could benefit from

this route. An Amtrak stop in Huntley would improve the viability of the entire route and would ensure the route's success for years to come."

Construction of this line is scheduled to begin in late 2012 and it would run from Chicago to Dubuque, with stops in Bensenville, Belvidere, Rockford (two stops), Freeport and Galena. Tryon is of the opinion that Huntley is a prime location for an additional

spot, and because the Village of Huntley is prepared to pay for the construction of the station in Huntley, he believes the stop will be given serious consideration by the Illinois Department of Transportation's Division of Public & Intermodal Transportation.

Upon the announcement by Amtrak that McHenry is likely to have a stop on a new service line from Chicago to Dubuque, Iowa, the Village of Huntley has actively sought the station. With this, they have committed to an investment of $6 million for the construction of a full interchange at Illinois Route 47 and Interstate 90, $5.8 million to widen Illinois Route 47, and the construction of the station itelf.