The Illinois Tollway Authority now has state approvalto consider adding rail service on its property. But supporters of the new law say it would probably take a while for any such project to materialize.
Republican State Representative Joe Sosnowski of Belvidere co-sponsored the measure. He calls it a good first step.
"You can't begin to explore this if it's legally and legislatively impossible. But for the long term planning for the state of Illinois, we think this is vital" Sosnowski said.
Sosnowski says supporters would like to see high speed rail service between Rockford and O'Hare Airport. Tollway officials say they have no immediate plans for a rail project.
The bill that allows the Tollway Authority to pursue rail projects was recently signed into law by Governor Pat Quinn.