The funny thing about that whole saga is the Glenview siding CP asked IDOT to build for them will be built anyway, now on CPKC’s dime. There’s still supposedly some capacity upgrades that will take place on the Illinois side but IDOT isn’t as open about details compared with their counterparts...
Minnesota has mentioned joining the Midwest equipment pool which would mean they’d acquire their own Charger locomotives and Venture cars. When that happens is anyone’s guess.
The runs the Borealis is replacing aren’t even the busiest on the route plus I believe once the airport station is completed it will allow for the 8th RT total to start.
Amtrak has requested a waiver from the FRA for installation of equipment to improve the shunting of track circuits. Once installed the axle and Superliner only requirements should be lifted on trains.
https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2024/04/19/2024-08365/petition-for-waiver-of-compliance
Not really related to this discussion but Amtrak applied for a waiver from the FRA to install antenna on their locomotives to properly shunt crossing signals.
https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2024/04/19/2024-08365/petition-for-waiver-of-compliance
Metra Electric no, SSL east of Kensington is certainly on the table and being discussed. Since that EIS the SSL has completely double tracked their line and raised the speed in places.
The grant for the mail platforms doesn’t even mention Metra. There’s two grants awarded, both included platform modifications. The baggage platforms will be modified for Metra use while the Mail platforms are for Amtrak Midwest trains.
Rebuilding the Mail platforms to low level is just...
The Mail platforms are high level thus Metra can’t utilize them yet. That and BNSF trains would have to cross over the Amtrak tracks in order to access them. The reactivated Mail platforms likely will be used by the corridor trains using single level equipment.
Amtrak also requested 250 million for CHIP, unclear though on which subproject this would fund. Also revealed is the total cost which has somehow jumped to 3 billion.
Brightline has mentioned Midwest corridors in the past but they want to be the exclusive operator of those trains. Notably they mentioned the Chicago-St Louis route, probably because the public paid for all the upgrades.