The Federal Railroad Administration has awarded Amtrak two grants in support of the development of a new Midwest Maintenance Facility and to make vital bridge and viaduct repairs.
The grants, in amounts of up to $572 million and $87 million, respectively, will be used to address long-standing rail infrastructure needs in Chicago that directly improve safety, reliability, and neighborhood conditions.
Chicago is a national rail hub where more than half of the Amtrak long‑distance trains begin or end their trips, and 17 Amtrak routes rely on Chicago‑based maintenance capacity.
Rail equipment, service demands, and federal safety and operational standards continue to evolve. The current facilities were designed for a different era and no longer provide the space, configuration, or modern capabilities needed to support today’s fleet or anticipated future growth.
The modern, purpose‑built facility on an existing railyard owned by Union Pacific Railroad will allow for more efficient servicing of railcars, reduce service disruptions and turnaround time. It will improve reliability for passengers and directly improve safety for the Amtrak workforce.
Construction of the new Midwest Maintenance Facility, to be led by Canal Edge LLC, is expected to support approximately 3,000 jobs, including union and skilled labor positions, during approximately 18 months of development. There will also be long-term operational employment opportunities at the facility to be owned by Amtrak.
The FRA also granted up to $87 million to rehabilitate or replace bridges, viaducts, and ancillary structures in the area between Cermak and Pershing Roads. This will improve safety and system performance and, importantly, address structural deficiencies and eliminate hazards for rail operations, drivers, and pedestrians.
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