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IDOT testing new locomotive type through the weekend

The Illinois Department of Transportation has been testing a new train locomotive this week and is expected to run until Sunday. 

The new Siemens SC-44 Charger locomotive is expected to go into full-time service later this spring.

The new locomotives will pull empty Amtrak cars along the Chicago-Milwaukee, Chicago-Carbondale and Chicago-Quincy lines with Chicago-St. Louis testing later this year.

IDOT Secretary Randy Blankenhorn said the test brings the state closer to more efficient and reliable passenger rail service.

Illinois is the lead agency in the multi-state procurement of the locomotives which include the states of Wisconsin, Michigan, Missouri, California, and Washington.

33 4,400-hoursepower locomotives were purchased through a nearly $217M grant and all 33 are expected to be delivered by the end of 2017.

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