Amtrak has secured up to $659 million in FRA grants to build a new maintenance facility within a Union Pacific railyard in Chicago and to fund bridge and viaduct repairs between Cermak and Pershing Roads. Up to $572 million will support the maintenance centre, part of a roughly $900 million project with more than $125 million in private investment; construction is expected to create about 3,000 jobs. The upgrades are planned to begin in late 2026, and Amtrak will hold a public meeting on 26 August at the Pui Tak Center with a virtual option.
Amtrak Secures Up To $659M From FRA For Chicago Maintenance Hub And Viaduct Repairs
Chicago is a national rail hub where over half of Amtrak’s long‑distance trains start or end. Credit: yuriyt / Shutterstock.com.
Amtrak has been awarded federal grants of up to $659 million from the U.S. Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) to construct a new maintenance facility in Chicago and to fund critical bridge and viaduct repairs.
The FRA has allocated up to $572 million for a modern, purpose-built maintenance centre to be located within an existing Union Pacific Railroad railyard. The facility is intended to modernize servicing operations in the Chicago region, where 17 Amtrak routes and more than half of the company's long-distance trains begin or end their journeys.
Amtrak says its current Chicago maintenance sites were designed for a different era and lack the space, layout and contemporary features needed to support today’s fleet and future growth. The new centre is expected to streamline railcar servicing, shorten turnaround times, increase operational efficiency and improve safety for employees.
"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 Amtrak Interim 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."
Developer Canal Edge will lead construction of the maintenance facility, a project Amtrak estimates will take about 18 months and create roughly 3,000 construction jobs, including union and skilled labor positions. The broader project is valued at approximately $900 million and combines federal funding with private investment; financier Justin Ishbia has committed more than $125 million. Amtrak said the site will also provide ongoing operational employment once the facility opens.
In addition to the maintenance hub, up to $87 million in federal funds has been earmarked for repair and replacement of bridges, viaducts and related structures along the corridor between Cermak and Pershing Roads. Amtrak said these upgrades will address structural deficiencies and remove hazards that affect rail operations, vehicular traffic and pedestrian safety.
Both the maintenance facility and the bridge and viaduct projects are scheduled to begin construction in late 2026. Amtrak will host a public meeting at the Pui Tak Center in Chicago on 26 August to present plans and engage local residents; a virtual attendance option will also be available.
Article originally reported by World Construction Network, a GlobalData-owned brand; this story consolidates and clarifies key facts and timelines for English-language readers.
Help us improve.
