Study to examine Chicago-Champaign high-speed rail

Chicago to Champaign-Urbana in less than an hour? A $1.25 million feasibility study of a high-speed rail line announced by Gov. Pat Quinn may determine whether that dream could become reality.

Quinn on Thursday said the University of Illinois, the Illinois Department of Transportation and a special advisory group will study the possibility of a 220-mph passenger rail service between the cities.

The governor says expanding rail service would create thousands of jobs and advance Illinois’ position in the global economy.

The study will examine costs and benefits of high-speed rail service between O’Hare International Airport, downtown Chicago, McCormick Place and Champaign-Urbana. It also would explore extending the line to cities beyond Champaign-Urbana, including St. Louis and Indianapolis.

Findings would be presented to Quinn in late 2012.