Dubuque group advocates for passenger railway to Chicago

A Dubuque group is pushing for a passenger railway that would connect Dubuque and Chicago.

The group called “Ride The Rail” is advocating for the transport option citing additional options when traveling by train. The Illinois DOT is developing a railway from Chicago to Rockford that is expected to be open by 2027. The goal would be for Iowa to work with Illinois to extend the railway to Dubuque, which is just over 90 miles away from Rockford.

A passenger railway would open up another travel option directly to Chicago for all the areas surrounding Dubuque. While the travel would be slightly longer, the cost would be far less on the travelers. With stops in towns and cities along the way as well, Chicago would not be the only destination that would see an increase in tourism.

The group’s proposal for the railway would have a stop in Freeport, Galena, and Rockford. Rides would be twice daily and the fair would be 30 dollars. Dubuque’s mayor supports the plan but acknowledges substantial obstacles. Investments into the city’s infrastructure were said to be a possible option to gain railroad cooperation for the service.