Alton is going to get a new multi - modal station that will enable many travelers to take less time on the CHI - STL speed up grades. This article points out how many can use Alton instead of St Louis and save time.
http://www.stltoday.com/business/local/6a3a5788-9c2f-5e5f-941a-a1cc36fe7186.html
“…the 27-mile stretch between St. Louis and Alton will remain a bottleneck, with speeds seldom topping 30 mph.”
Why so slow and why can’t that section be improved? I know the part from East St. Louis to the Amtrak station in St. Louis is slow because of the bridge and its approaches.
Too bad they’re not locating the new transfer at Mitchell adjacent to I-270.