Governor Ryan Releases $120,000 To Improve Rail Passanger Station In Kankak

SPRINGFIELD -- Governor George H. Ryan today released $120,000 in state funds for improving the Amtrak rail passenger train station in Kankakee.

"This project will make passenger safety improvements and widen the concrete platform to expedite the boarding process," Ryan said. "Improvements such as these are an important part of our joint effort with local communities and Amtrak to keep passengers coming back and attract new riders."

Kankakee is served by the state­sponsored Illini that runs daily between Chicago and Carbondale and the City of New Orleans that provides long­distance service from Chicago to New Orleans.

The platform at the Kankakee station will be extended to allow passengers to board and disembark faster from more rail cars at the station. In addition, the platform will be built higher to make it easier and safer for passengers to step on and off the train. A new platform canopy and lighting will be added to protect waiting passengers. Edging material also will be added to warn persons with disabilities when they reach the end of the platform.

Amtrak will coordinate the construction with the Canadian National/Illinois Central railroad, which owns the track. Completion is expected in the spring.