Amtrak Receives Federal Grants for New Midwest Maintenance Facility and Improvements to Viaducts

Facility Will Serve Critical Midwest Hub for Long-Distance and State-Sponsored Routes and Renew Neighborhood Connections Under Tracks

CHICAGO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) 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 the amounts of up to $572 million and up to $87 million, respectively, will be used to address long-standing rail infrastructure needs in Chicago that directly improve safety, reliability, and neighborhood conditions.

“For years, Amtrak’s Midwest and National rail customers and state partners have been desiring improved on-time performance. Investments in maintenance facilities will achieve that outcome,” said Interim Amtrak President Byl Herrmann. “With these grants, Amtrak is able to accelerate those goals by more than a decade while improving conditions to deliver a safe, reliable, and efficient passenger rail service for years to come.”

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.

Reactions:

“Our state’s top-notch rail system keeps our economy moving while allowing Illinoisans to travel from Chicago to Carbondale. This latest federal investment into Chicago’s Amtrak facilities and infrastructure reflects the city’s status as a thriving transportation hub. I look forward to seeing this funding turn into concrete improvements to our rail infrastructure, in turn, delivering an even better experience to Amtrak riders,” said Sen. Richard J. Durbin (D-Ill.).

“Investments in our rail infrastructure are investments in our economy, making sure our rail network is safer, faster and more efficient for people and goods to get where they need to go. This funding will help support critical upgrades to our rail infrastructure and strengthen our city’s role as a national hub for Amtrak. I will continue working alongside Amtrak leadership and our local leaders to ensure our communities have the support they need to modernize our rail network, improve reliability and keep trains moving safely and efficiently for generations to come,” said Sen. Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.).

"Safe, affordable, and accessible rail travel is critical to the success of Chicago and the Illinois region. This grant will make improvements and repairs that will modernize passenger rail service in our area for the millions of people who utilize these services. I have talked about the dangers of disrepair in our rail system for many years, and I have particularly called out the damaged bridges in the region that are long past the need for repair. I am pleased that this grant will help address these issues and improve access to safe and efficient rail services for Chicagoland residents for many years to come. I will continue working with my colleagues in the House and Senate to bring home more funding to achieve these goals," said Rep. Mike Quigley (D-Ill. 5^th).

"These grants represent an investment in Chicago's working men and women as much as they do in our transportation infrastructure. Modernizing Amtrak's maintenance facilities and improving the Canal Street Yard will create and sustain hundreds of union jobs, provide apprenticeship and workforce development opportunities for the next generation of skilled tradespeople, and advance long-term careers that families can build their futures around. Operating Engineers Local 150 is proud to support this project," said James M. Sweeney, President-Business Manager, International Union of Operating Engineers, Local 150, AFL-CIO.

“This is exactly the kind of investment that strengthens our workforce, grows our economy, and ensures Chicago remains the nation's premier rail hub. For the workers who keep our transportation system running every day, these grants are about more than bricks and steel. They're about improving safety for rail workers, motorists, and pedestrians alike, while supporting hundreds of skilled union jobs for years to come,” said Jim Connolly, Business Manager, LIUNA Chicago Laborers’ District Council.

Canal Edge LLC is the developer of the project working in partnership with Amtrak and construction on the new Amtrak maintenance facility along with the bridge and viaduct work is expected to begin in the fall of 2026.

“Canal Edge is proud to partner with Amtrak and take responsibility for delivering this critical investment in Chicago's rail infrastructure. As the heart of America's passenger rail network, Chicago deserves infrastructure that supports its vital role for decades to come. By committing substantial private capital and standing behind the delivery of this project, we are investing in the South Side, creating union jobs, and building infrastructure that will strengthen Chicago and the national rail network for generations,” said Justin Ishbia, Controlling Shareholder of Canal Edge.

The federal investment and grants will be complemented by private capital and financing led by Canal Edge, which is responsible for financing and delivering the approximately $900 million project. More than $125 million of the project represents Justin Ishbia's own personal capital.

Amtrak will host a community meeting regarding the project at the Pui Tak Center, 2218 S. Wentworth, Chicago, on Wednesday, August 26^th at 5:30 p.m. CT. A virtual meeting option will also be available for those unable to attend in person.