University of Illinois study: 220-mph high-speed line from Chicago to Champaign-Urbana and beyond is feasible

The University of Illinois has released a final report on a preliminary feasibility study of a 220-mph high-speed rail (HSR) service between Chicago, Champaign-Urbana, Ill., and St. Louis and/or Indianapolis.

The study concluded that a 220-mph HSR service from O'Hare International Airport, through downtown Chicago to Champaign-Urbana and on to St. Louis or Indianapolis is feasible and likely would be able to cover its operating costs without subsidies, according to a report released by the university.

The study was sponsored by the university and the Illinois Department of Transportation, with engineering assistance from Hanson Professional Services, Quandel Consultants L.L.C. and d'Escoto Inc.

The study examined the engineering, operational, ridership, economic and financial aspects of the potential HSR line.

Express high-speed trains would travel from downtown Chicago to Champaign in 45 minutes, to Springfield in about an hour and 20 minutes, and onto St. Louis or Indianapolis in about two hours, the study found.

Analyses of several cost and revenue scenarios found that the system could be profitable.

"However, as with many large public transportation projects, the initial cost to build it is substantial and would require public and/or private sector funding to cover the initial capital cost," the report states.

The report recommends that public-private partnerships, which have successfully been used to finance HSR projects overseas, should be explored.

"An incremental or blended approach completed over a longer time period would reduce initial capital costs and provide other nearer-term transportation benefits, while simultaneously improving intercity transportation and quality times," the report states.

To read the report's executive summary, click here.