Amtrak to begin 110 mph train speed on Chicago-St. Louis corridor

Amtrak and the Illinois Department of Transportation yesterday announced they've received federal approval to begin operating trains at a maximum speed of 110 mph on the Chicago-St. Louis passenger-rail corridor.

Due to the speed increase, schedules soon will shorten for the Lincoln Service and Texas Eagle routes, primarily between stations in Joliet and Alton, Illinois, Amtrak officials said in a press release. For now, the trains will travel at the higher speed without altering the schedule.

"Trains will continue to operate at 110 mph for several weeks without a change in schedule to ensure everything on the system is running properly and to monitor the actual travel time between stations," said IDOT Deputy Director of Rail John Oimoen.

The top train speed in the corridor has been 90 mph.

Amtrak is issuing safety warnings to the public in advance of the speed increase. Additional warning signs and fencing have been installed in select areas to deter trespassing, Amtrak officials said.