Events

2025 Public Meetings

The Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) invites you to learn more about the Chicago to Rockford Intercity Passenger Rail Program through a series of public information meetings.  

The meetings will follow an open-house format with a continuous presentation and exhibition boards available to view. Attendees will also have an opportunity to engage with and discuss any questions with the IDOT project team. Meeting attendees are welcome to arrive at any time between 4:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. The same information will be shared at all meetings and all materials will be posted on the project website following the culmination of the series of meetings.  

Elgin: 

Tuesday, September 16th

4:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. 

The Centre of Elgin (100 Symphony Way, Elgin, IL 60120) 

Rockford: 

Thursday, September 18th  

4:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. 

Rockford Public Library Nordlof Center (118 N. Main Street, Rockford, IL 61101)  

Belvidere: 

Monday, September 29th 

4:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. 

Rivers Edge Recreation Center (1151 W. Locust Street, Belvidere, IL 61008) 

Huntley: 

Thursday, October 2nd   

4:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. 

Huntley Park District (12015 Mill Street, Huntley, IL 60142) 

The meeting locations are accessible for people using mobility devices. Anyone needing specific assistance should contact Mary Mcllvain at mmcilvain@morrealecomm.com.   

Past Public Meetings 

2024 Public Meetings 

Thank you to all who attended the public information meetings held in September 2024 in the communities of Belvidere, Elgin, Huntley and Rockford. This second series of public information meetings offered community members along the corridor an opportunity to meet the project team and learn about the Chicago to Rockford Intercity Passenger Rail Program. Exhibit boards and a presentation were available for viewing at the public meetings. The presentation will be posted here.

As additional engagement opportunities become available, they will be posted to this page and also announced through future newsletters, direct outreach, and coordination with local officials and community-based organizations who will be asked to assist in promoting public involvement activities.

2023 Public Meetings 

Thank you to all who attended the public information meetings held during September 2023 in the communities of Belvidere, Elgin, Huntley and Rockford. More than 200 people attended and participated in meaningful conversations with IDOT staff at these meetings. Additionally, written comments showing interest in this important project have been received, through both in person and online forums. This first series of public information meetings offered community members along the corridor an opportunity to meet the project team and learn about the Chicago to Rockford Intercity Passenger Rail Program. Exhibit boards and a presentation were available for viewing at the public meetings. The presentation can be viewed below.