Chicago's Lightfoot calls on USDOT to OK Amtrak's Union Station project

Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot this week spearheaded a letter to U.S. Department of Transportation leaders in support of Amtrak's proposed $850 million project to improve Union Station and create more passenger-rail routes into the city.

The letter to U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg and Federal Railroad Administration Administrator Amit Bose listed the support of 56 Midwest mayors and highlughted the “urgent and collective need for infrastructure improvements,” according to a press release issued by Lightfoot’s office. If approved, Amtrak would use funds from the federal Mega grant program for surface transportation infrastructure projects.

Dubbed the Chicago Hub Improvement Program (CHIP), the project would create a new way for trains to access Union Station from the south. Benefits of the project include better on-time performance for both Amtrak and Metra trains; capacity for new routes and increased train frequencies; faster connections between the region’s largest job hubs; and improved passenger flow and ventilation at the station.

CHIP would also lay the foundation for future improvements, such as direct access to intercity trains at O’Hare and McCormick Place.

"This investment in improved train services will give Chicago residents and visitors convenient, safe and modernized travel options while reducing our carbon footprint,” said Lightfoot. "It will also lay the foundation for a more equitable transportation network, giving Illinois residents from all walks of life access to the amenities and opportunities found in our great city and region."

A decision on the CHIP application is expected before the end of the year.