Illinois Railroad Association

02/21/2026

BNSF Railway investing in Illinois, keeping our state competitive, and moving our economy forward!

02/12/2026

Did you know that before he was in the White House, Abraham Lincoln was one of the most sought-after railroad attorneys in Illinois? 💼

​Representing companies like the Illinois Central Railroad, Lincoln didn’t just argue law; he argued for the future of infrastructure. In the landmark Hurd v. Rock Island Bridge Co. case, Lincoln successfully defended the right of a railroad bridge to cross the Mississippi River, famously stating that a person has as much right to cross a river as they do to travel down it.

In the State House, Abe was a railroad advocate through his fervent support for "internal improvements", what we call infrastructure investments today.

And as President, he signed legislation creating the Transcontinental Railroad!

​Today, on his 217th birthday, we honor the man who helped lay the tracks for the rail networks that still power our state’s economy.

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02/01/2026

It's our 75th birthday; our "Diamond Anniversary"!

In the railroad world, a diamond is where two lines meet—a point of connection, coordination, and momentum. 🚂💎

Today the Illinois Railroad Association celebrates our 75th, our "Diamond", Anniversary. Since our founding on February 1, 1951, we’ve stood at the intersection of Illinois’ economy and the national supply chain.

For seven and a half decades, we’ve advocated for the tracks that connect our farms to the world, our factories to the coast, and our communities to the future.

As the "Rail Hub of America," Illinois is where the diamond happens every day.

Thank you to our amazing members, the railroads and businesses which move our economy. Thank you to our rail partners who work with us every day to transform the world. And thank you to all who work, use, and love the railroads of Illinois. You help us make Illinois the greatest railroad state in the nation!

Join us in celebrating 75 years of keeping Illinois on the right track!





Union Pacific Railroad
BNSF Railway
Canadian National Railway Company
Norfolk Southern
CSX
CPKC
GATX
TTX
Railway Supply Institute (RSI)
Association of American Railroads

01/13/2026

Union Pacific Railroad rolls for a big year!

America250

01/01/2026

Happy New Year!

2026 promises to be an amazing year for our industry and our nation.

The America250 celebration coincides with the 75th anniversary of our association.

We are looking forward to 365 days of honoring our great country and telling the story of how our railroads have become "America's Engine"!

Lots more to come this year, but for now, a flashback photo to the amazing Freedom Train as it moved through Chicago in our bicentennial year of 1976.

Union Pacific Railroad
BNSF Railway
Canadian National Railway Company
Norfolk Southern
CSX
CPKC
The Belt Railway Company of Chicago
Indiana Harbor Belt Railroad
GATX
TTX
RSI

02/26/2025

Last night at our association's annual reception in Springfield, we were honored to award our 2024 Railroaders of the Year to two fantastic Illinois State Representatives: Margaret Croke - State Representative of Chicago and State Representative Jeff Keicher of Sycamore.

The work these two leaders have done with our industry, combined with the knowledge of the rail and transportation systems of our state, have set them apart as legislators who understand the important role our freight railroads play in helping drive the economy of our state and nation. And they understand the vital role Illinois plays in connecting our continent's freight rail system.

Thank you for your partnership Reps Croke and Keicher. We look forward to continuing our work together!

01/27/2025

Does your community want a railroad Quiet Zone? Our partners at GoRail along with the National League of Cities are offering a free webinar on the process to obtain this federal designation. Learn from experts on the process, the safety implications, and how to partner with our member railroads to establish a quiet zone.

Follow the link to learn more and register for the webinar:

https://lnkd.in/gVUixX58

08/29/2024

Since 1827, our railroad has been moving the freight that powers America. Today, we operate in 22 states with connections across the globe.

07/28/2024

Thank you CSX for honoring the railroading history of our great state: The C&EI.

"It takes everybody...we are OneCSX"

Roll out! CSX Locomotive 1877 honoring the Chicago & Eastern Illinois Railroad has officially joined our heritage fleet. The C&EI Railroad, founded in 1877, ...

04/02/2024

Great visual of how Chicago Region Environmental and Transportation Efficiency Program (CREATE) is making a tremendous difference for more efficient freight and passenger/commuter rail in Chicago.

Catch a glimpse of the Forest Hill Flyover under construction in Chicago! The new bridge will rid delays due to train crossings and improve the fluidity of freight and passenger trains, ultimately making Chicago’s railroad network safer.

The project is one of 70 improvements under the Chicago Region Environmental and Transportation Efficiency Program (CREATE) aimed to enhance the quality of life of Chicago-area residents by bringing critically needed rail improvements to communities throughout the region. Learn more at https://www.createprogram.org/

03/19/2024

"The EPA has a unique opportunity to stand for the rule of law while still advancing its mission for a cleaner environment. Decisive action in defending its regulatory lane and rejecting the overtures of California, which is seeking to obliterate highly efficient locomotives – responsible for just 0.6 percent of U.S. greenhouse emissions – would also protect millions of American businesses and consumers across the country.'

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) will hold an important hearing on March 20th to consider a request from the California Air Resources Board (CARB) to fundamentally distort the regulation of e