Peoria Station

It’s time again for a review of Peoria-area business that use or have access to rail transportation. This time I’m listing them by railroad. Note  occasional duplication.  The parameters for this list is defined by those counties which make up the Heart of Illinois Regional Port District (Fulton, Marshall, Mason, Peoria, Tazewell and Woodford Counties). *Denotes inactive shippers, [...]

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The Toledo Peoria & Western Railway is rehabilitating its Morton Industrial Spur, an approximately four-mile line running from a connection with Norfolk Southern’s Bloomington District at Crandall west through Morton. TP&W exercises trackage rights on the NS from East Peoria to Crandall to reach its Morton customers. The line has two active customers: Fort Transfer [...]

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Announced yesterday: Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) Secretary Gary Hannig today announced the start of a statewide aviation economic impact study to measure the local economic benefits of Illinois’ system of airports. The 18-month study will examine more than 100 airports statewide and will guide IDOT’s Division of Aeronautics and aviation and economic development leaders [...]

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It’s time for a review of Peoria area rail users. This time, these will be profiled by serving railroad, thus there will be some duplication (some are served by multiple railroads). I will post these as I get time. – David P. Jordan

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The Chicago & North Western Historical Society is holding its annual meet in Peoria this weekend. Events are being held Thursday thru Sunday. This includes a swapmeet at the Embassy Suites in East Peoria, the meet’s headquarters. – David P. Jordan

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It’s time for more Q & A. As usual, if I don’t know the answer, I’ll find it. While you’re at it, you may also suggest topics for future posts here (other than those that are news-driven). – David P. Jordan

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Sometimes, products made in Illinois are in such high demand that their manufacturers can withstand the consequences of the recent irresponsible state corporate tax increase. Case in point – Excel Foundry & Machine Co.  The Pekin-based manufacturer of castings used in the construction and mining industry is adding 30 jobs. Better yet, the company is [...]

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Growth Cell Two and rail service came up tonight at the Peoria City Council. See live coverage by the Peoria Chronicle and the first comment (by me). Councilman Gary Sandberg asked Peoria Public Works director David Barber about improvements to the connection between the Union Pacific mainline and the City-owned Pioneer Industrial Lead, though using different terminology. The [...]

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This may be the best opportunity to match Gen. Wayne A. Downing Peoria International Airport’s service with its name. According to Aviation Week & Space Technology Magazine, Allegiant Air is looking to begin service to cities in Canada, the Caribbean and Mexico within two years. This excerpt stands out: The services would connect small cities in [...]

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Shortly after 4:00 this afternoon, officials and attendees dedicated a new ramp to the former Milwaukee Road mail car and former Toledo Peoria & Western caboose. See a video of the ribbon-cutting ceremony here.  Earlier, a plaque honoring the late Paul Stringham was put in place. A life-long Peorian, Stringham authored or co-authored several railroad-themed [...]

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