MASCOUTAH – Today, Governor JB Pritzker joined the Illinois Department of Transportation and state, local, and community leaders to commemorate the completion of the new MetroLink extension to MidAmerica St. Louis Airport in Mascoutah. A cornerstone project of the historic Rebuild Illinois capital program, the $192 million ($127M in state funding; $65M in local funding) infrastructure package is one of the most significant transportation investments for the region in decades. The 5.2-mile extension and road and bike trail improvements expand transportation options, strengthen regional mobility, and improve connections to jobs and recreation throughout the Metro East.
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“From the beginning, I have worked with the General Assembly to prioritize rebuilding the downstate economy, and the MetroLink project has been a cornerstone of those efforts,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “With a total of $127 million in Rebuild Illinois investment, we’ve created jobs and business for local contractors and disadvantaged businesses while keeping project dollars moving through the regional economy. I look forward to seeing new businesses being built, more union members at work, and more people and goods on the move to lift up the economy here.”
“Now more than ever, we're investing in infrastructure to make sure Illinoisans stay connected," said Lieutenant Governor Juliana Stratton. "Whether you're traveling for work or recreation, this MetroLink Extension means you'll have more options with less stress. We're in the middle of everything and investments like this make sure we make the most of that."
Led by the St. Clair County Transit District, the project marks the first MetroLink expansion in 20 years and establishes the transit system as one of the only in the country connecting two major airports: MidAmerica St. Louis and St. Louis Lambert International. The project also extends the rail system between the MidAmerica St. Louis airport and the Shiloh-Scott station – adjacent to the Scott Air Force Base. The extension improves access to air travel while connecting residents to employment, education, and recreational opportunities.
Beyond transit expansion, the project includes a $32 million investment in new roadway infrastructure as well as a $6 million, 4.5-mile extension of the MetroBikeLink Trail. Together, these developments create a safe and reliable network that supports airport customers, transit users, drivers, pedestrians, and bikers in their daily travels.
A total of $127 million from the Rebuild Illinois Capital Program and $65 million in local contributions fueled the Metrolink expansion project, which incurred no taxpayer debt and delivered on time with no federal funding. The improved transit system will increase regional mobility and access to local employers, including the MidAmerica St. Louis Airport and Scott Air Force Base.
This strategic state and local investment best positions Illinois for continued growth: encouraging business development, spurring job creation, and driving future opportunity to communities throughout the region.
“Gov. Pritzker and Rebuild Illinois are creating new connections between communities and giving people options for how to reach the important destinations in their lives,” said Illinois Transportation Secretary Gia Biagi. “The MetroLink extension and surrounding improvements are positioning the region for success and a better quality of life for decades to come.”
“This new light rail expansion supports existing business and will lead to new economic opportunities not only at MidAmerica St. Louis Airport, but throughout the entire county. We appreciate the support and value of Governor Pritzker’s commitment to St. Clair County’s economy,” said St. Clair County Board Chair, Mark Kern.
The landmark MetroLink project represents Governor Pritzker’s latest accomplishment to modernize and expand transit across the state – while delivering for local economies.
The expansion is also one of 23 major Rebuild Illinois projects in the Metro East region, 13 of which are set to be completed by the end of 2026. Rebuild Illinois is the state’s largest capital program and the first that touches all forms of transit, including aviation, waterways, and pedestrian accommodations. Passed in 2019 under Gov. Pritzker, the Rebuild Illinois Capital Program is improving infrastructure across Illinois with an emphasis on safety and quality of life. So far, Rebuild Illinois has put tens of thousands of people to work building 25,000 lane miles of roads and more than 950 bridges, along with river ports, early childhood centers, school classrooms, airports, bike lanes, crime labs, rail stations, and other developments.
In December, Gov. Pritzker signed the Northern Illinois Transit Authority Act into law, creating a new regional authority and delivering significant investments in public transit without raising statewide taxes, including $150 million of new annual operating revenue for downstate transit and infrastructure. This summer, with IDOT’s support, Warren County Public Transportation in Western Illinois expanded into Henderson County, making transit available in all of the state’s 102 counties for the first time. On September 30, IDOT also announced $100 million in available funding for downstate transit capital projects.
"MidAmerica St. Louis Airport is increasingly the choice for travelers, and this new station further strengthens the airport’s connection with our region,” Leader Representative Jay Hoffman (D-Swansea) said. “This investment further supports jobs and economic development, while better positioning our transit system to handle passenger demands now and moving forward. Today’s opening is an important moment that bodes well for the future success of this airport and MetroLink.”
“This rail extension is not only a great improvement for travelers making their way to the airport, it is also going to open up opportunities for new growth in St. Clair County and the entire St. Louis region,” said State Senator Christopher Belt (D-Swansea). “The MetroLink extension here has been in the works for about 20 years. It took a lot of hard work and creativity to get it done, but in the end it is great to see a project of this scale completed on time and with no additional cost or debt to taxpayers.”
"As MidAmerica St. Louis Airport continues to grow, this new station will strengthen our region’s transit and economic connections today and moving forward. It represents our commitment to investing in infrastructure, while offering local travelers an easier, more accessible option for their journeys,” said State Representative Katie Stuart (D-Edwardsville).
The extension is undergoing final safety and performance evaluations, with revenue service anticipated to start in the coming weeks. Construction began in 2023. To learn more about the project, visit here.
