Illinois high-speed rail deal in the works

State transportation officials have applied for more than $4 billion in federal stimulus funds to upgrade Amtrak service between Chicago and St. Louis

the money would help add an extra set of tracks to the Union Pacific line that runs between Chicago and St. Louis and includes stops in Dwight, Pontiac, Normal, Lincoln and Springfield. In addition to allowing Amtrak trains to travel at higher speeds, Union Pacific says the upgrades may allow them to boost the number of freight trains on the route to as many as 20 per day.

A decision from the federal government on which states will be funded is expected to come within the first three months of 2010.

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