Final Design Work Begins for Twin Cities Train

Efforts to add a second Amtrak train between Chicago and Twin Cities region of Minnesota have entered the final design phase.

Public comment on the project is being accepted. The train would follow the route of the existing Chicago-Seattle/Portland Empire Builder. Hearings are expected to be held this fall on the project.

Final design work is expected to be completed in mid-2023 with the train beginning operation in 2024 or earlier.

That work will describe infrastructure improvements that are needed to the route, which largely uses track of Canadian Pacific.

Funding of $53 million is being provided from federal, state, and Amtrak to improve track, signals, and grade crossings.

Tags: Amtrak, Amtrak's Empire Builder, Canadian Pacific, Chicago-St. Paul Corridor, new Amtrak service