DEKALB — DeKalb has approved a nearly $500,000 consulting agreement with TY Lin International Great Lakes Inc. for a planning and environmental linkages study along the Union Pacific rail corridor between Elburn and DeKalb. The study follows earlier work that found potential demand for commuter rail service and sharp growth in Route 12 ridership from 2019 to 2025. The project is funded through a $500,000 state transit planning grant, with $400,000 from the Illinois Department of Transportation and a $100,000 local match.
Ward Three Alderman Tracy Smith said the time to act is now.
“Working with IDOT half of my life, you don’t wait,” he said Monday. “If the money’s out there in that you have to get it going. If not, you will be left. And our grandkids will be talking about building a train here.”
The study will review rail safety, environmental and community impacts, connections with other transportation, and economic factors. Results are expected to support future federal review and help position the area for possible federal funding to extend Metra service from Elburn to the Barb City.