Midwest Rail Upgrades Speed Ahead, Creating Divide

Increased speeds for passenger rail lines in the Midwest bring along economic baggage, but can the pros outweigh the cons? As higher-speed rail, and expected economic growth, come to Illinois and Michigan, neighboring states see pitfalls.

1 minute read

July 31, 2012, 10:00 AM PDT

By Emily Williams


Plans to upgrade Amtrak service in Illinois and Michigan to provide the first triple-digit speeds outside the Northeast are "cementing a divide in the region over passenger rail," reports Mark Peters.

An estimated $2.1 billion, mostly from the federal government, is buying track upgrades, new railcars and locomotives in Illinois and Michigan. And by 2016, trains will travel at 110 mph between Chicago and Detroit and Chicago and St. Louis, shaving an hour off both routes.

These rail investments have stirred up heated debate over their various economic impacts. In rejecting federal funds, Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker and Ohio Gov. John Kasich, both Republicans, argued that the rail projects would "saddle their states with new annual costs." Increased operating subsidies may be required by the states should more daily trips be added.

Local businesses, however, are seeking to profit off the rail investment. Michigan Gov. Rick Snyder, also a Republican, claims that these rail improvements are "a way to create jobs, raise property values and stem the flight of young professionals."

Thanks to Daniel Lippman

Tuesday, July 24, 2012 in The Wall Street Journal

portrait of professional woman

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

Cover CM Credits, Earn Certificates, Push Your Career Forward

Logo for Planetizen Federal Action Tracker with black and white image of U.S. Capitol with water ripple overlay.

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker

A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

July 16, 2025 - Diana Ionescu

Green vintage Chicago streetcar from the 1940s parked at the Illinois Railroad Museum in 1988.

Chicago’s Ghost Rails

Just beneath the surface of the modern city lie the remnants of its expansive early 20th-century streetcar system.

July 13, 2025 - WTTV

Blue and silver Amtrak train with vibrant green and yellow foliage in background.

Amtrak Cutting Jobs, Funding to High-Speed Rail

The agency plans to cut 10 percent of its workforce and has confirmed it will not fund new high-speed rail projects.

July 14, 2025 - Smart Cities Dive

Tunnel for pedestrians, bikes, and buses in Lyon, France lit up with purple lights.

The French Solution to Congested Tunnels: Make Them Car-Free

Bay Area transportation officials keep expanding car capacity. Lyon’s Croix Rousse Tunnel offers a different way.

6 hours ago - Streetsblog San Francisco

Missouri state Rep. Chris Brown speaking in government chamber.

Missouri Governor Reverses Anti-Discrimination Housing Policies

A new state law bars cities from prohibiting source-of-income discrimination against tenants using Section 8 housing vouchers.

7 hours ago - Missouri Independent

Pedestrians crossing a rainbow painted crosswalk in New York City.

USDOT Launches Unfunded 'SAFE ROADS' Program

The program targets “distractions” and “political messages or artwork,” and paves the way for autonomous vehicles.

7 hours ago - Urban Milwaukee