Springfield, IL  (CAPITOL CITY NOW) – People learned more about the Springfield Rail Improvements Project, new transportation HUB and Third Street Greenway projects at the public forum hosted by The Citizens Club of Springfield held this morning downtown at the Hoogland Center for the Arts.

The guest speakers on the panel were: Chief City Engineer for the City of Springfield Nathan Bottom, Sangamon County Administrator Brian McFadden, Project Manager for the Springfield Rail Improvements Project Michael Mendenhall, and Project Manager for the Springfield-Sangamon County Transportation Center Dennis Wilkinson.

An economic catalyst through downtown redevelopment, a reduction in pollution, improved access to jobs are among the benefits of the Springfield Rail Improvements Project.

The transportation HUB will offer access to the train, Greyhound buses, and SMTD buses. No car rentals or shuttle to the airport have been added, but are a possibility should the demand arise.

Once the city’s Rail Improvement Project and transportation HUB are completed in 2027, something new will be coming to what is now the Third Street rail corridor. Project Manager Michael Mendenhall described it as a “linear park throughout the city”.