Rail lab opens at University of Illinois

The new Research and Innovation Laboratory based at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign recently launched its Rail Tech and Engineering Center to help the U.S. and its growing rail transit industry.

Most people realize that freight rail and rail transit services have been growing in the U.S. Ridership have broken records for several years in a row, and extended domestic fuel production has given freight even more energy within its network.

Officials have toured the new lab to celebrate its grand opening. The world-class facility received finances from the Office of the Assistant Secretary for Research and Technology, a branch of the Department of Transportation. Others, including railroads, the Federal Railroad Administration and rail industry suppliers have contributed to the new lab. The support emphasizes the lab’s standing as a national leader in its industry for innovation and research in rail transportation.

The University Transportation Centers (UTC) program under the Department of Transportation offers important transportation research at universities and colleges throughout Illinois and the U.S. The colleges and universities are selected through competitions.

UTC is currently the leader in rail research. It unites state organizations and rail industry leaders to guarantee that the curriculum and research are timely and relevant.