Champaign, Illinois

Champaign is a city located in Champaign County, Illinois. As of the 2000 census, the city had a total population of 67,518. The mayor is Gerald Schweighart, whose term will expire in 2007.

Transportation

Champaign is served by Interstate Highways 57, 72, and 74, by two railroad lines, and by Willard Airport (CMI), operated by the University of Illinois and located 5 miles south of town in Tolono Township. The local bus system, which is supported by the taxpayers of the Mass Transit District (MTD) and the University of Illinois, also serves Urbana, Savoy, and surrounding areas. The former Illinois Central railroad line--now owned by Canadian National--runs north to south through the city. A spur line from the Canadian National line provides service to industry and grain elevators to the west of the city. The Norfolk Southern Railway operates an east to west line through the city. The NS line connects an industrial area in east Urbana to the Norfolk Southern mainline at Mansfield, Illinois west of Champaign. The Norfolk Southern line was previously operated by Conrail and its predecessors: New York Central, Peoria & Eastern, Big Four (Cleveland, Cincinnati, Chicago and St. Louis Railroad), Danville, Urbana, Bloomington and Pekin Railroad Company. Amtrak--using the Canadian National line--runs two trains daily northbound to Chicago, and two evening trains southbound, one to Carbondale, the other via Carbondale, Illinois to New Orleans. Greyhound Lines and Illini Swallow bus companies also serve Champaign. In 1999, a newly designed intermodal transportation center, aptly named Illinois Terminal by historic reference, was completed and presently consolidates all passenger rail and bus service for Champaign, Urbana, and Savoy.

Related Topics:
Interstate Highway - 57 - 72 - 74 - Railroad - Willard Airport - Mass Transit District (MTD) - Canadian National - Norfolk Southern Railway - Mansfield, Illinois - Conrail - New York Central - Cleveland, Cincinnati, Chicago and St. Louis Railroad - Amtrak - Carbondale, Illinois - New Orleans - Greyhound Lines - Intermodal - Illinois Terminal

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