Test runs of the high speed Amtrack rail will start between Chicago and St. Louis on Friday with government officials on board.
Newsday reported that the rail would be a 30 mph increase from the current amtrack routes speed. Newsday said it is a "morale booster for advocates of high-speed rail in America who have watched conservatives in Congress put the brakes on spending for fast train projects they view as expensive boondoggles."
Illinois Governor, Pat Quinn and Ray LaHood are scheduled to be on board the Amtrack train when it runs at 110 mph for the first time, reports Newsday.
Newsday reported that the train will only maintain that speed for about 15 miles between the cities of Dwight and Pontiac and then it will go back to normal speeds.
Obama announced these plans in 2009 for the high-speed rail network that he said would
"demand for foreign oil and eliminate more than 6 billion pounds of carbon dioxide emissions a year -- equivalent to removing 1 million cars from the roads," Newsday reported.
Newsday reported that there could be issues with the rail networks if Mitt Romney wins the presidency next month. "Romney and Republicans are calling for an end to $1.5 billion in yearly federal subsidies to money-losing Amtrak," said Newsday.
David Burns, a rail consultant in Chicago said to Newsday, The important thing is it's a step in the right direction, but the question becomes what do we gain by doing this?"
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