Illinois Railroads (Illinois)

Last Updated: August 2, 2024, 20:48 pm UTC

For more information and a map of Railroads in Illinois, see the WIKI 

Official IDOT Railroad map LINK

Frequencies

Passenger Operations

Amtrak

Usually utilizes frequencies licensed to the owner of the tracks they are operating on.  See the WIKI page for additional frequency information.

FrequencyLicenseTypeToneAlpha TagDescriptionModeTag
160.305WRYT333 RM CSQ AMT13 CUS PS 13 Chicago Union Station Passenger Services FMN Railroad
160.365WRYT333 RM 203.5 PL AMT17 Police 17 Police (Chicago Union Station) FMN Law Dispatch
160.395WRYT333 RM 131.8 PL AMT19 MOW 19 Maintenance of Way FMN Railroad
160.545KC8086 M CSQ AMT29 Police 29 Special Agents FMN Railroad
160.740WRYT333 RM CSQ AMT42 Sw 42 Lumber St Train Director FMN Railroad
161.265KRC498 BM CSQ AMT77 Carmen 77 Carmen FMN Railroad
161.280 BM CSQ AMT78 Shop 78 Shop Switcher (Chicago) FMN Railroad
173.225KVU343 BM 131.8 PL Amtk Redcap Chicago Union Station Redcaps FMN Railroad
173.325WNSX612 BM 94.8 PL AMT Police F2 Amtrak Police F2 FMN Law Dispatch
464.4625WQRC885 RM 051 DPL CUS Ops 1 Union Station: Ops FMN Business
461.7375WQRC885 RM CUS Ops 2 Union Station: Ops FMN Business
160.170WRYT333 RM AMT Brtn Pk Shop Brighton Park Maint Shop (3727 S Sacramento Ave) FMN Railroad
Metra Commuter Rail

Metra runs commuter trains on several lines. They own the Milwaukee North and West Districts, Metra Electric, Rock Island and SW Service lines. Trains operate on other railroad's tracks, including the UP-N, UP-NW and UP-W, BNSF, Heritage (CN) Corridor and North Central (CN) lines. 

Locomotives and rolling stock are owned by Metra and crews are Metra, except for BNSF and UP lines.

Radio operations are on the Road channels of the various lines.

Travelers Information Stations on 1630 AM located in: University Park (Will), Naperville (Du Page), Mokena (Will), Northfield (Cook), Roselle (Du Page)

STARCOM21 Statewide Illinois
Project 25 Phase II
Utilizes talkgroups 2991 (Dispatch) through 2996.
FrequencyLicenseTypeToneAlpha TagDescriptionModeTag
160.305KNFX766 BM CSQ Metra13 SW 13 Metra SW Service, Chgo to 21st St FMN Railroad
160.440WNQU573 BM CSQ Metra22 SW 22 Metra SW Service, 21st St to Manhattan FMN Railroad
160.770KFW518 BM CSQ Metra44 MN 44 Metra Milw Dist North FMN Railroad
161.520KFW519 BM CSQ Metra94 MW 94 Metra Milw Dist West FMN Railroad
161.025WNMV660 BM 173.8 PL Metra61 ME 61 Metra Electric FMN Railroad
160.920KNFX766 BM CSQ Metra54 HC 54 Metra Heritage Corridor FMN Railroad
161.340KSB864 BM CSQ Metra82 RI 82 Metra Rock Island Dist FMN Railroad
160.605WNBG753 BM 146.2 PL Metra33 PD 33 Metra Police FMN Law Dispatch
161.610KFW518 BM CSQ Metra PD Metra Police FMN Law Dispatch
453.4875WPTW445 M 77.0 PL Metra PD MX Metra Police Mobile Extenders FMN Law Dispatch
161.220WNBG753 BM CSQ Metra74 PasSv 74 Metra Passenger Services FMN Railroad
160.635WNBG753 BM Metra35 Police 35 Metra Police FMN Railroad
150.890WQXZ480 RM Metra CUS Metra Union Station NXDN48 Railroad
South Shore Line

Electric commuter trains running into Chicago on track owned by Metra (Metra Electric Line) and freights on the Indiana track run by a seperate operating company.

CSS trains use the Road repeater from Kensington to Gary and Rolling Prairie to South Bend; simplex (on the repeater output) is used between Gary and Rolling Prairie.

FrequencyLicenseTypeToneAlpha TagDescriptionModeTag
161.355 RM 173.8 PL CSS 83 RoadE 83 CSS Road (Kensington-South Bend) FMN Railroad
161.025 BM 173.8 PL CSS 61 RoadW 61 CSS Road (Chicago-Kensington) FMN Railroad
161.100 BM CSS 66 MOW 66 CSS Maintenance of Way FMN Railroad
Illinois Railway Museum (Union-McHenry)

IRM is the largest railway museum in the country, with a 5 mile demonstration railroad and many steam, diesel and electric operating items.

FrequencyLicenseTypeToneAlpha TagDescriptionModeTag
160.275WRXE532 BM CSQ AAR 011 IRM 11 IRM F1 Dispatcher FMN Railroad
154.515KNAR920 BM CC 1
TG *
SL *
IRM F2 Ops [IRM F2] DMR Railroad
151.685WPDX202 BM CSQ IRM F3 Ops [IRM F3] FMN Railroad
151.955WPDX202 BM CSQ IRM F4 Ops [IRM F4] FMN Railroad
154.540KNAR920 BM CSQ IRM F5 Ops [IRM F5] FMN Railroad
Fox River Trolley Museum (South Elgin)

Operates on former Aurora, Elgin and Fox River Electric Company interurban tracks.  Also licensed for portables on 467.3125 (NFM).

FrequencyLicenseTypeToneAlpha TagDescriptionModeTag
159.810WRDG236 BM 025 DPL AAR 002 FRTM 02 Fox River Trolley Museum FMN Railroad
160.635WRDG236 BM AAR 035 35 Fox River Trolley Museum FMN Railroad
160.905WRDG236 BM CSQ AAR 053 FRTM 53 Fox River Trolley Museum FMN Railroad
Monticello Railroad Museum
FrequencyLicenseTypeToneAlpha TagDescriptionModeTag
160.635WNLF855 BM AAR 035 MRM35 MRM35 Operations FMN Railroad

Class One Railroads

Burlington Northern Santa Fe (BNSF)

Consists of lines from the former Burlington Northern and the Santa Fe railroads.

Aurora Subdivision (south) - Aurora to Savanna
Aurora Subdivision (north) - Savanna to LaCrosse
Barstow Subdivision - Galesburg to Savanna
Brookfield Subdivision - Galesburg to W. Quincy
Chicago Subdivision - Chicago Union Station to Aurora
Chillicothe Subdivision (east) - Chicago (BOCT Crossing) to Williamsfield
Chillicothe Subdivision (west) - Williamsfield to Fort Madison
Marceline Subdivision (east) - Fort Madison to Hurdland
Marceline Subdivision (west) - Hurdland to Kansas City
Mendota Subdivision - Montgomery to Galesburg

STARCOM21 Statewide Illinois
Project 25 Phase II
BNSF Police nationwide reportedly using talkgroups 4876-4900 and 6486-6495. Only talkgroups 4888 (Interop A) and 4889 (Interop B) are unencrypted.
FrequencyLicenseTypeToneAlpha TagDescriptionModeTag
160.380KWZ945 BM CSQ AAR 018 18 BNSF Road - Marceline Sub (East), Chillicothe Sub (west) FMN Railroad
160.560WPEG473 BM CSQ AAR 030 30 BNSF Road - Marceline Sub (West) FMN Railroad
160.650WPEG473 BM CSQ AAR 036 36 BNSF Road - Chillicothe Sub (East) FMN Railroad
160.815 BM CSQ AAR 047 47 BNSF Road - Brookfield Sub FMN Railroad
161.100WNZM247 BM CSQ AAR 066 66 BNSF Road - Aurora Sub (North), Chicago Sub FMN Railroad
161.160WQOD474 BM CSQ AAR 070 70 BNSF Road - Aurora Sub (South) FMN Railroad
161.385WQOD474 BM CSQ AAR 085 85 BNSF Road - Mendota, Chillicothe, Brookfield, Chicago Subs FMN Railroad
161.415KGZ590 BM CSQ AAR 087 87 BNSF Road - Barstow Sub FMN Railroad
161.010 BM CSQ AAR 060 60 BNSF Maintenance of Way (All former ATSF lines) FMN Railroad
BNSF Corwith Intermodal Facility (Chicago)
FrequencyLicenseTypeToneAlpha TagDescriptionModeTag
160.785 BM CSQ AAR 045 45 BNSF Yard - Chillicothe Sub (Corwith Yard) FMN Railroad
461.625WPLG703 RM 703 DPL BNSF Corwith Yd1 BNSF Corwith Yard FMN Railroad
464.275WPLG703 RM 703 DPL BNSF Corwith Yd2 BNSF Corwith Yard FMN Railroad
BNSF Eola Yard (Aurora)
FrequencyLicenseTypeToneAlpha TagDescriptionModeTag
161.265WNZM247 BM CSQ AAR 077 77 BNSF Yard - Chicago Sub (Eola East Yard) FMN Railroad
160.875WQRQ968 BM CSQ AAR 051 51 BNSF Yard - Eola West Yard, Galesburg, Rochelle Yards FMN Railroad
153.4775WNZM247 RM 1 RAN BNSF Eola West BNSF Eola West Yard NXDN48 Railroad
153.6275WNZM247 RM 1 RAN BNSF Eola East BNSF Eola East Yard NXDN48 Railroad
BNSF Clyde Yard (Cicero)

Yard repeater formerly used 151.9625 (PL 107.2) on input.

FrequencyLicenseTypeToneAlpha TagDescriptionModeTag
160.335WQCM313 BM CSQ AAR 015 15 BNSF Yard - Clyde Mech and Roundhouse FMN Railroad
161.160WQCM313 RM CSQ AAR 070 70 BNSF Yard - Cicero FMN Railroad
BNSF Willow Springs Intermodal Terminal (Hodgkins)
FrequencyLicenseTypeToneAlpha TagDescriptionModeTag
160.995WPFK523 BM CSQ AAR 059 59 BNSF Yard - Chillicothe Sub (Hodgkins Yard) FMN Railroad
160.830WPFK523 BM CSQ AAR 048 48 BNSF Yard - Chillicothe Sub (Willow Springs Yard) FMN Railroad
150.905WPFK523 RM 1 RAN BNSF WillSprings BNSF Yard - Willow Springs NXDN48 Railroad
Canadian National

 The CN has lines in Illinois from the former Wisconsin Central, Elgin, Joliet and Eastern, Illinois Central and Grand Trunk Western.

STARCOM21 Statewide Illinois
Project 25 Phase II
Railroad police reported using talkgroups 3591, 3592 and 3593.
FrequencyLicenseTypeToneAlpha TagDescriptionModeTag
160.920 BM CSQ AAR 054 54 CN End to End (All Subs Except South Bend) FMN Railroad
161.295 BM CSQ AAR 079 79 CN Road (WC) Waukesha Sub (WI Line to Madison St) FMN Railroad
161.190 BM CSQ AAR 072 72 CN Road (IC) Freeport, Chicago, Champaign, Centrailia, Edgewood Subs FMN Railroad
160.755 BM CSQ AAR 043 43 CN Road (CCP) Freeport Sub, (Chicago to Munger) FMN Railroad
161.475 BM CSQ AAR 091 91 CN Road (EJE) Leighton Sub, Illinois River Sub FMN Railroad
160.350 BM CSQ AAR 016 16 CN Road (EJE) Matteson Sub, Lakefront Sub FMN Railroad
160.590 BM CSQ AAR 032 32 CN Road (GTW) Eldson Sub, End-to-End on South Bend Sub FMN Railroad
CN Markham Yard (Harvey)
FrequencyLicenseTypeToneAlpha TagDescriptionModeTag
160.470 BM CSQ AAR 024 24 Markham Yard operations FMN Railroad
160.755 BM CSQ AAR 043 43 Markham Yard operations FMN Railroad
161.280 BM CSQ AAR 078 78 Markham Yard operations FMN Railroad
161.460 BM CSQ AAR 090 90 Markham Yard operations FMN Railroad
CN Joliet Yard (Joliet)
FrequencyLicenseTypeToneAlpha TagDescriptionModeTag
160.470 BM CSQ AAR 024 24 Joliet Yard operations FMN Railroad
160.845 BM CSQ AAR 049 49 Joliet Yard operations FMN Railroad
160.905 BM CSQ AAR 053 53 Joliet Yard operations FMN Railroad
CN Glenn Yard (Forest View)
FrequencyLicenseTypeToneAlpha TagDescriptionModeTag
160.845 BM CSQ AAR 049 49 Glenn Yard: Operations FMN Railroad
161.280 BM CSQ AAR 078 78 Glenn Yard: Operations FMN Railroad
161.505 BM CSQ AAR 093 93 Glenn Yard: Operations FMN Railroad
CN Illinois River Industry Switching
FrequencyLicenseTypeToneAlpha TagDescriptionModeTag
161.460 BM CSQ AAR 090 90 Illinois River Sub switching FMN Railroad
Canadian Pacific Kansas City (CPKC)

CPKC was formed as a merger of the Canadian Pacific and Kansas City Southern. CPKC has lines in Illinois from the former KCS, Soo Line, Milwaukee Road and Iowa, Chicago and Eastern/Dakota, Minnesota and Eastern.

The former KCS runs former Gateway Western/CMNW track from Springfield west to Roodhouse and then to Kansas City and St. Louis.

STARCOM21 Statewide Illinois
Project 25 Phase II
CPKC Railway Police are using talkgroups 36516 (primary?), 36517 and 36518.
FrequencyLicenseTypeToneAlpha TagDescriptionModeTag
161.370WQXJ855 BM CSQ CPKC84 Road 1 84 CPKC Road 1 FMN Railroad
161.520WPMT830 BM CSQ CPKC94 Road 2 94 CPKC Road 2 Elgin Sub (Chicago-Elgin) FMN Railroad
161.085WPYE856 BM CSQ CP65 Road 3KC 65 CPKC Road 3 (West of Elgin) FMN Railroad
160.770WPPA494 BM CSQ CPKC44 Road 4 44 CPKC Road 4 (C and M Sub, Chicago-Milwaukee) FMN Railroad
161.430WPMZ858 BM CSQ CPKC88 Yard 88 CPKC Yard FMN Railroad
160.725WQXJ808 BM CSQ CPKC41 Yard 41 CPKC Yard FMN Railroad
160.260 BM CSQ CPKC10 Yard 10 CPKC Yard FMN Railroad
160.395WRAR602 BM CSQ CPKC19 Yard 19 CPKC Yard FMN Railroad
160.530 BM CSQ CPKC28 Yard 28 CPKC Yard FMN Railroad
161.460KFQ438 BM CSQ CPKC 90 Road 90 CPKC Road (former KCS) FMN Railroad
161.025KFQ438 BM CSQ CPKC 61 Yard 61 CPKC Yard (Former KCS) FMN Railroad
161.280KFQ438 BM CSQ CPKC 78 Ops 78 CPKC Ops (Carrollton/Jerseyville, former KCS) FMN Railroad
CSX Transportation

CSX has lines in Illinois from the former BO, CO, BOCT, Conrail and Rock Island railroads. Most are concentrated in the Chicago Terminal area.

CSX trains between Chicago and Woodland operate over Union Pacific trackage to reach the Woodland Subdivision (ex-C&EI).

STARCOM21 Statewide Illinois
Project 25 Phase II
Railroad police use talkgroups 35105-35109 and 35180-35184.
FrequencyLicenseTypeToneAlpha TagDescriptionModeTag
160.230WQSI684 BM 250.3 PL AAR 008 250.3 08 CSQ (Greenville area) [Remote Dispatch] FMN Railroad
160.230WQZS303 BM CSQ AAR 008 08 CSX Road (St. Louis Line and Illinois Sub) FMN Railroad
160.980WQUZ950 BM CSQ AAR 058 58 CSX LB Dispatcher (Illinois Sub) FMN Railroad
161.070WQZS303 BM 250.3 PL AAR 064 250.3 64 CSX IB Dispatcher (St Louis Line) [Remote Dispatch] FMN Railroad
161.070KNHV205 BM CSQ AAR 064 64 CSX IB Dispatcher (St Louis Line) FMN Railroad
161.370KWX487 BM CSQ AAR 084 84 CSX Road (Woodland Sub) FMN Railroad
161.520KNIC661 BM CSQ AAR 094 94 CSX Dispatcher (Woodland Sub) FMN Railroad
CSX Chicago Terminal

RA Dispatcher:
Barr Subdivision - Blue Island to Willow Creek, IN
Chicago Heights Subdivision - Harvey to Glenwood
Elsdon Subdivision - Elsdon to Munster, IN (ex-GTW)
Lake Subdivision - East Chicago area
Porter Branch - Blue Island to Porter, IN

RB Dispatcher:
Altenheim Subdivision - Forest Park to North Lawndale
Blue Island Subdivision - North Lawndale to Blue Island
New Rock Subdivision - Joliet to Henry (ex-Rock Island)

FrequencyLicenseTypeToneAlpha TagDescriptionModeTag
160.230WQWK595 BM CSQ AAR 008 08 CSX Road (Multiple Subs) FMN Railroad
160.290KNIC661 BM CSQ AAR 012 12 CSX RB Dispatcher FMN Railroad
160.320KSD441 BM CSQ AAR 014 14 CSX RA Dispatcher FMN Railroad
161.280 BM CSQ AAR 078 78 CSX Yard (Bedford Park Intermodal) FMN Railroad
160.875KSD441 BM CSQ AAR 051 51 CSX Police FMN Railroad
160.800WNKX352 BM CSQ AAR 046 46 CSX Road, Former CR lines (Fort Wayne Line) FMN Railroad
Norfolk Southern Railroad - North

Norfolk Southern consists of lines from the former Norfolk and Western, Southern and Conrail railroads.

STARCOM21 Statewide Illinois
Project 25 Phase II
Railroad police use talkgroups 8031-8040.
FrequencyLicenseTypeToneAlpha TagDescriptionModeTag
160.800 BM CSQ AAR 046 46 NS Road (Former CR Lines) FMN Railroad
160.860KAG916 BM CSQ AAR 050 50 NS Road (Former CR Lines) (Lafayette, Decatur -W Peru) FMN Railroad
160.980 BM CSQ AAR 058 58 NS Road (Former CR Lines) FMN Railroad
161.055KTE293 BM CSQ AAR 063 63 NS Road (Kankakee Line) FMN Railroad
161.070 BM CSQ AAR 064 64 NS Road (Former CR Lines) FMN Railroad
161.145WPYX573 BM CSQ AAR 069 69 NS Road (Bloomington District) FMN Railroad
161.190 BM CSQ AAR 072 72 NS Road (Former NW Lines) FMN Railroad
161.250 BM CSQ AAR 076 76 NS Road (Former NKP lines) FMN Railroad
161.490WPMQ905 BM CSQ AAR 092 92 NS Dispatcher (Chicago Line) FMN Railroad
Norfolk Southern Railroad - South

The former Southern Railway systemwide standard of 160.950 Road and 160.830 (Train to Dispatcher) / 160.245 (Dispatcher to Train) is being phased out in favor of a new plan where each dispatcher desk has a dedicated road channel ("Channel 1") and a dedicated dispatcher channel ("Channel 2") for all subdivisions controlled by that dispatcher desk.

STARCOM21 Statewide Illinois
Project 25 Phase II
Railroad police use talkgroups 8031-8040.
FrequencyLicenseTypeToneAlpha TagDescriptionModeTag
160.830KTH443 BM CSQ AAR 048 48 Southern-West District Road ("Channel 1") FMN Railroad
160.245KSI708 BM CSQ AAR 009 09 Southern-West District Dispatcher ("Channel 2") FMN Railroad
160.260 BM CSQ AAR 010 10 NS MofW 2 FMN Railroad
160.380WQSE896 BM CSQ AAR 018 18 NS MofW 1 FMN Railroad
160.440KAG916 BM CSQ AAR 022 22 Road (Decatur-Poag Jct, ex-Wabash) FMN Railroad
160.695KZZ985 BM CSQ AAR 039 39 Road (Springfield/Hannibal District, ex-Wabash) FMN Railroad
160.950 BM CSQ AAR 056 56 NS Road (Former Southern Lines) FMN Railroad
Norfolk Southern - Chicago Terminal
FrequencyLicenseTypeToneAlpha TagDescriptionModeTag
161.205KNFX259 RM 20 RAN AAR 073 NS PD Railroad Police (Chicago) NXDN48 Law Dispatch
Norfolk Southern - Decatur Terminal
FrequencyLicenseTypeToneAlpha TagDescriptionModeTag
160.350KAG916 BM CSQ AAR 016 EB Yard 16 NS Yard (Decatur Eastbound) FMN Railroad
160.740KWE882 BM CSQ AAR 042 Car Shop 42 NS Yard Decatur Car Shop FMN Railroad
160.950KWE882 BM CSQ AAR 057 ADM Yard 57 NS Yard (ADM-Decatur) FMN Railroad
161.250WQB709 BM CSQ AAR 076 WB Yard 76 NS Yard (Decatur Westbound) FMN Railroad
Norfolk Southern - St Louis Terminal
FrequencyLicenseTypeToneAlpha TagDescriptionModeTag
161.490KIU683 BM CSQ AAR 092 Yard Yard (Paog Jct-VC Belt Jct, ex-Southern) FMN Railroad
Union Pacific Railroad

 The Union Pacific has lines in Illinois from the former Chicago and North Western, Missouri Pacific and Cotton Belt railroads.

Former C&NW Lines:
Geneva East Subdivision
Belvidere Subdivision
Troy Grove Subdivision
Adams Subdivision
Rockwell Subdivision
Milwaukee Subdivision
Kenosha Subdivision
Geneva West Subdivision
Peoria Subdivision
Harvard Subdivision
McHenry Subdivision

Union Pacific Railroad Police reportedly using Motorola's WAVE push-to-talk app for communications.  Previously reported using Diga-Talk talkgroup 1047. (3/24)

FrequencyLicenseTypeToneAlpha TagDescriptionModeTag
160.890KBY513 BM CSQ UP52 Road 52 UP Road (Geneva East, Belvidere, Troy Grove, Adams, Rockwell Subs) FMN Railroad
160.455KSA357 BM CSQ UP23 MOW 23 UP MOW/Yard (Former CNW) FMN Railroad
161.040WPPF543 BM CSQ UP62 Road 62 UP Road (Milw. Sub s/o K.O., Kenosha, Geneva West subs) FMN Railroad
160.485WQSC255 BM CSQ UP25 Road 25 UP Road (Milw. Sub n/o of K.O.) FMN Railroad
161.310KSA357 BM CSQ UP80 Road 80 UP Road (Harvard, McHenry Subs) FMN Railroad
161.265KBQ620 BM CSQ UP77 Road 77 UP Road (Peoria Sub) FMN Railroad
160.410WNDJ934 BM CSQ UP20 Road 20 UP Road (Chicago-Woodland Jct., Marion, Mt. Vernon, S. Pana, Salem Subs) FMN Railroad
161.085KSH548 BM CSQ UP65 Road 65 UP Road (Woodland to Pana) FMN Railroad
161.550KLH975 BM CSQ UP96 Road 96 UP Road (Chester, Pinkneyville, Sparta Subs) FMN Railroad
161.280KFX965 BM CSQ UP78 Road 78 UP Road Former SPCSL (Chicago to Valley Jct) FMN Railroad
160.560KSH548 BM CSQ UP30 Road 30 UP Road Former SPCSL Pana Sub FMN Railroad
161.220 BM UP74 Road 74 UP Road FMN Railroad
160.275 M CSQ UP11 MoW Rkfd Maintenance of Way (Rockford area) FMN Railroad
UP Yard Center Terminal (Dolton)
FrequencyLicenseTypeToneAlpha TagDescriptionModeTag
161.145 BM CSQ AAR 069 69 UP Yard Center FMN Railroad
UP Belvidere Yard
FrequencyLicenseTypeToneAlpha TagDescriptionModeTag
161.175KBY513 BM CSQ AAR 071 71 UP Belvidere Yard operations FMN Railroad
UP West Chicago Yard
FrequencyLicenseTypeToneAlpha TagDescriptionModeTag
161.175WQRN820 BM CSQ AAR 071 UP West Chicago Yard ops FMN Railroad
UP Dupo Yard (East St. Louis)
FrequencyLicenseTypeToneAlpha TagDescriptionModeTag
160.470WNCL901 BM CSQ AAR 024 24 Dupo Yardmaster FMN Railroad
160.995WNCL901 BM AAR 059 59 Dupo Yard Switching FMN Railroad
161.085WNCL901 BM AAR 065 65 Dupo Yard Crew Shuttle FMN Railroad
UP Global 1 Terminal (West Side)

Between Near West Side and North Lawndale.

FrequencyLicenseTypeToneAlpha TagDescriptionModeTag
160.575KBY513 BM CSQ AAR 031 31 UP Global One Yard FMN Railroad
UP Global 2 Terminal / Proviso Yard (Northlake)

Ex-C&NW yard

FrequencyLicenseTypeToneAlpha TagDescriptionModeTag
160.575KSA357 BM CSQ AAR 031 31 Global 2 Terminal FMN Railroad
160.725WQSM484 BM CSQ AAR 041 41 UP Proviso Yard Ops FMN Railroad
161.175KBY513 BM CSQ AAR 071 71 UP Proviso Yard Ops FMN Railroad
UP Global 3 Intermodal Terminal (Rochelle)

Closed in 2019, G3 reopened in 2021

FrequencyLicenseTypeToneAlpha TagDescriptionModeTag
161.175WPXG297 RM CSQ G3 Yard Global 3 Operations (94.8 PL In) (Rochelle-Ogle) FMN Railroad
UP Global 4 Terminal (Joliet)
FrequencyLicenseTypeToneAlpha TagDescriptionModeTag
161.175WQRG301 RM CSQ AAR 071/013 71 UP Global 4 Yard FMN Railroad

Chicago Switching Roads and Shortlines

Belt Railway Corporation

The Belt Railway Company of Chicago is a switching and terminal railroad which is co-owned by and handled interchnge services for BNSF, CN, CP, CSX, NS and UP. BRC also serves many local customers itself.

The mainline runs south 10 miles from a connection with the Metra Milwaukee District West Line at Cragin to 67th Street (the east end of Clearing Yard), where it swings east and proceeds another 14 miles to South Chicago.

The major yard on the line is Clearing Yard, located just south of Midway Airport.

FrequencyLicenseTypeToneAlpha TagDescriptionModeTag
160.500WREZ880 BM CSQ BRC26 RoadS 26 BRC Road South FMN Railroad
160.635 BM CSQ BRC35 Road N 35 BRC North Road FMN Railroad
BRC Clearing Yard
FrequencyLicenseTypeToneAlpha TagDescriptionModeTag
160.380 BM CSQ AAR 018 18 West Yard FMN Railroad
160.695 BM CSQ AAR 039 39 Yard Operations FMN Railroad
160.965 BM CSQ AAR 057 57 Clearing Yard Hump FMN Railroad
161.295 BM CSQ AAR 079 79 Car Department FMN Railroad
161.445 BM CSQ AAR 089 89 East Yard FMN Railroad
Chicago Junction Railway

The Chicago Junction Railroad is a switching road which serves the Elk Grove Village Industrial Park. It connects with CN, CP, CSX, NS and UP.

FrequencyLicenseTypeToneAlpha TagDescriptionModeTag
161.115 BM CSQ AAR 067 67 Chicago Junction Operations FMN Railroad
Chicago Rail Link

Chicago Rail Link is a shortline and terminal railroad in and around Chicago. The ex-Rock Island main line runs from a connection with BNSF at Western Ave southwest through Gresham and Blue Island to Mokena, with branches from Gresham to Pullman Junction, 95th St to Kensington, and Pullman Junction to Irondale.

FrequencyLicenseTypeToneAlpha TagDescriptionModeTag
160.635 BM CSQ AAR 035 35 Road/Dispatcher FMN Railroad
160.215 BM CSQ AAR 007 07 Switching FMN Railroad
Cicero Central Railroad

The Cicero Central Railroad is a one-mile switching road at Cicero which serves the Koppers Chemical plant.

FrequencyLicenseTypeToneAlpha TagDescriptionModeTag
160.815WQWM936 BM CSQ AAR 047 47 Cicero Central Operations FMN Railroad
Indiana Harbor Belt

The Indiana Harbor Belt Railroad is a switching and terminal railroad jointly owned by Conrail Shared Assets and Canadian Pacific.

The mainline runs from Hammond, IN 39 miles around the west side of Chicago to a connection with the Metra Milwaukee District West Line at Franklin Park.

The major yard on the line is Blue Island Yard, located in the suburb of Blue Island.

FrequencyLicenseTypeToneAlpha TagDescriptionModeTag
161.070WQXA747 BM CSQ AAR 064 64 Road FMN Railroad
160.485 BM CSQ AAR 025 25 Dispatcher East FMN Railroad
160.980KSI227 BM CSQ AAR 058 58 Dispatcher West FMN Railroad
161.400 BM CSQ AAR 086 86 Maintenance-of-Way FMN Railroad
160.545 BM CSQ AAR 029 29 Police FMN Railroad
IHB Blue Island Yard
FrequencyLicenseTypeToneAlpha TagDescriptionModeTag
161.535 BM CSQ AAR 095 95 Blue Island Yard operations FMN Railroad
Manufacturers’ Junction Railway

The Manufacturers’ Junction Railway operates 6 miles of trackage in Cicero, Illinois.

Interchange is with Belt Railway and other roads which connect with BRC.

FrequencyLicenseTypeToneAlpha TagDescriptionModeTag
161.475 BM CSQ AAR 091 91 Manufacturer's Junction (Cicero) FMN Railroad
South Chicago and Indiana Harbor Railway

Steel mill railroad owned by Mittal Steel Company. The main line runs between Pullman Junction, IL and Whiting, IN with branches to South Deering, IL and East Chicago, IN.

FrequencyLicenseTypeToneAlpha TagDescriptionModeTag
160.335 BM CSQ AAR 015 15 South Chicago and Indiana Harbor FMN Railroad
Chicago Terminal Railroad

The Chicago Terminal Railroad is no longer in operation. Their C&E Line (ex-Milwaukee Road) has been abandoned, and may be turned into a rail trail. Operations at the Centex Industrial Park in Elk Grove Village were taken over by the Chicago Junction Railway. Operations at the Bensenville Industrial Park are now handled by the Chicago, St Paul & Pacific Railroad.

Frequencies listed below may be used by the Chicago, St. Paul & Pacific.

FrequencyLicenseTypeToneAlpha TagDescriptionModeTag
161.550 BM CSQ AAR 096 96 Chicago Terminal (Chicago) FMN Railroad
161.565 BM CSQ AAR 097 97 Chicago Terminal (Elk Grove) FMN Railroad

Regional and Shortline Railroads

Burlington Junction Railway - Montgomery
FrequencyLicenseTypeToneAlpha TagDescriptionModeTag
160.950WPXL789 BM 411 DPL AAR 032 32 Burlington Junction operations FMN Railroad
Burlington Junction Railway - Rochelle

The Burlington Junction Railway operates the Rochelle Railroad under contract with the City of Rochelle. 

Note: 160.950 may also be used at the Quincy, IL operation.

FrequencyLicenseTypeToneAlpha TagDescriptionModeTag
160.380 BM CSQ AAR 018 18 Rochelle RR Operations FMN Railroad
160.635 BM CSQ AAR 025 25 Rochelle RR Switching FMN Railroad
159.840WPXL789 BM 210.7 PL BJ Rwy Roch Burlington Junction operations FMN Railroad
160.950WPXL789 BM CSQ AAR 056 56 Burlington Junction operations FMN Railroad
Chicago, Fort Wayne and Eastern Railroad

CFtW&E operates the fomer Conrail Fort Wayne Secondary (ex-PRR).  

FrequencyLicenseTypeToneAlpha TagDescriptionModeTag
160.545 BM CSQ AAR 029 29 Road/Dispatcher FMN Railroad
161.130 BM CSQ AAR 068 68 Maintenance of Way FMN Railroad
Illinois Railway
FrequencyLicenseTypeToneAlpha TagDescriptionModeTag
160.425WQYL412 RM AAR 021/088 21 Illinois Railway - Millbrook repeater FMN Railroad
160.515WQYL412 RM AAR 027/095 27 Illinois Railway - Ottawa repeater FMN Railroad
161.055 BM CSQ AAR 063 63 Mt. Morris and Rockford lines (north) FMN Railroad
161.355 BM CSQ AAR 083 83 Montgomery and LaSalle Lines (south) FMN Railroad
Iowa Interstate Railroad

Iowa Interstate operates the ex-Rock Island main line from a conenction with the CSX New Rock Subdivision at Bureau, IL to Council Bluffs, IA, with a branch from Henry to Peoria.

FrequencyLicenseTypeToneAlpha TagDescriptionModeTag
160.305WNBF543 BM CSQ AAR 063 63 Road/Dispatcher West FMN Railroad
160.680WQML859 BM CSQ AAR 038 28 Silvis Yard FMN Railroad
161.220WQUH622 BM CSQ AAR 074 74 Road/Dispatcher East FMN Railroad
Wisconsin and Southern Railroad

Wisconsin and Southern operates several former Milwaukee Road and C&NW lines mostly in Wisconsin; one line extends from Zenda, WI to Fox Lake, IL, with trackage rights to Chicago over Metra.

FrequencyLicenseTypeToneAlpha TagDescriptionModeTag
160.575 BM CSQ AAR 031 31 Road/Dispatcher FMN Railroad
161.145 BM CSQ AAR 069 69 Yard Operations FMN Railroad
Dakota, Minnesota & Eastern

Wholly owned and operated subsidary of CP Rail. Former Milwaukee Road track from Elgin west to Iowa that had been sold off to the Iowa, Chicago & Eastern, later merged with the DM&E which in turn was bought out by CP Rail. Radio info listed with CP Rail.

Kankakee, Beaverville and Southern Railroad

The Kankakee, Beaverville & Southern Railroad operates several intersecting lines in Illinois and Indiana:

Kankakee, IL to Sheldon, IL (ex-NYC)
North Hooper, IL to Danville, IL (ex-Milwaukee Road)
Cheneyville, IL to Lafayette, IN ((ex-NKP / LE&W)

FrequencyLicenseTypeToneAlpha TagDescriptionModeTag
160.215KNCZ427 BM CSQ AAR 007 07 Road/Dispatcher FMN Railroad
161.490 BM CSQ AAR 092 92 Switching Ops FMN Railroad
Central Illinois Railroad

Operations on the Chicago area lines formerly run by CIRR have been taken over by BNSF (owner of the lines).

FrequencyLicenseTypeToneAlpha TagDescriptionModeTag
160.920 BM CSQ AAR 054 54 CIRR Operations FMN Railroad
160.980 BM CSQ AAR 034 34 CIRR Operations FMN Railroad
161.460 BM CSQ AAR 090 90 CIRR Operations FMN Railroad
Bloomer Line

The Bloomer Line operates the ex-IC line from Kempton to Colfax via Strawn, and a former Wabash branch from Strawn to Gibson City.

FrequencyLicenseTypeToneAlpha TagDescriptionModeTag
160.500 RM CSQ AAR 026/083 26 Bloomer Line (Chatsworth Repeater) FMN Railroad
161.355 BM CSQ AAR 083 83 Road FMN Railroad
Crab Orchard and Egyptian
FrequencyLicenseTypeToneAlpha TagDescriptionModeTag
160.350 BM CSQ AAR 016 16 Road/Operations FMN Railroad
Decatur and Eastern Illinois RR (DREI)

D&EI (reporting marks DREI) operates two lines acquired form CSX Transportation, and one acquired from NS:

DREI Danville Subdivision: Danville, IL to Terre Haute, IN (ex-NYC)
DREI Decatur Subdivision: Decatur, IL to Hillsdale, IN (ex-B&O)
DREI Charleston Subdivision: Metcalf to Neoga (Eastern Illinois RR, ex-Nickel Plate / Clover Leaf)

See the WIKI for additional business frequencies and information 

FrequencyLicenseTypeToneAlpha TagDescriptionModeTag
160.815 BM CSQ AAR 047 DREI Charleston Subdivision - Road (AAR 47) FMN Railroad
160.950 BM CSQ AAR 056 DREI Charleston Subdivision - Switching (AAR 56) FMN Railroad
161.445 BM CSQ AAR 089 DREI Danville Subdivision - Operations FMN Railroad
161.475 BM CSQ AAR 091 DREI Danville Subdivision - Operations FMN Railroad
161.370 BM CSQ AAR 084 DREI Decatur Subdivision - Road FMN Railroad
160.230 BM CSQ AAR 008 DREI Decatur Subdivision - Switching FMN Railroad
Decatur Junction Railway

Decatur to Assumption (ex-IC)

FrequencyLicenseTypeToneAlpha TagDescriptionModeTag
161.220WPGA701 BM CSQ AAR 074 74 Decatur Junction Operations FMN Railroad
Effingham Railroad

The Effingham Railroad is a 1.5 mile switching road connecting to CN and CSX in Effingham.

FrequencyLicenseTypeToneAlpha TagDescriptionModeTag
161.355WPJV611 BM CSQ AAR 083 83 Effingham RR operations FMN Railroad
Evansville Western Railroad
FrequencyLicenseTypeToneAlpha TagDescriptionModeTag
160.815WQDU402 BM CSQ AAR 047 47 Road/Dispatcher FMN Railroad
161.055WQDU402 BM CSQ AAR 063 63 Switching FMN Railroad
Illinois and Midland Railroad

Pekin to Springfield and Taylorville, via Havana and Petersburg (ex-Chicago & Illinois Midland Railway).

FrequencyLicenseTypeToneAlpha TagDescriptionModeTag
160.290KBE990 BM CSQ AAR 012 12 Yard Operations FMN Railroad
160.950WQTL554 BM CSQ AAR 056 56 Road Operations FMN Railroad
Illinois Western Railroad

Illinois Western is a switching road which connects to CSX at Greenville and BNSF at Smithboro. (Bond County)

FrequencyLicenseTypeToneAlpha TagDescriptionModeTag
161.355WPJV612 BM CSQ AAR 083 83 General Operations FMN Railroad
Keokuk Junction Railway

The Keokuk Junction Railway operates several lines of the original Toledo, Peoria & Western Railway:

33.5 miles, Warsaw, IL to LaHarpe, IL (ex-TP&W Third Subdivision)
88.1 miles, Lomax, IL to Peoria, IL via LaHarpe (ex-TP&W Second Subdivision)

FrequencyLicenseTypeToneAlpha TagDescriptionModeTag
160.395KNBU865 BM CSQ AAR 019 19 Yard Operations FMN Railroad
161.430KNBU865 BM CSQ AAR 088 88 Road/Dispatcher FMN Railroad
Shawnee Terminal Railway

The Shawnee Terminal is a 2.5 mile switching railroad in Cairo, IL which interchanges with Canadian National. The line may be out of service.

FrequencyLicenseTypeToneAlpha TagDescriptionModeTag
160.845 BM CSQ AAR 049 49 Yard Operations FMN Railroad
161.070 BM CSQ AAR 064 64 Road Operations FMN Railroad
Tazewell and Peoria Railroad

The Tazewell & Peoria is a terminal railroad (the former Peoria and Pekin Union Railway), connecting UP, NS, CN, BNSF, TP&W, Iowa Interstate and the Illinois and Midland.

FrequencyLicenseTypeToneAlpha TagDescriptionModeTag
160.470KZZ282 BM CSQ AAR 024 24 Road/Dispatcher FMN Railroad
160.530KZZ282 BM CSQ AAR 028 28 Yard Operations FMN Railroad
161.235 BM CSQ AAR 075 75 Yard Operations FMN Railroad
Toledo, Peoria and Western Railway

The TP&W operates 247 miles of the original TP&W from Mapleton, IL to Logansport, IN via Peoria. Portions of the old TP&W west of Peoria are operated by Keokuk Junction.

FrequencyLicenseTypeToneAlpha TagDescriptionModeTag
161.310KZZ424 BM CSQ AAR 080 80 Yard Operations FMN Railroad
161.400WQUC790 BM CSQ AAR 086 86 Road/Dispatcher FMN Railroad
Indiana Rail Road

The Indiana Rail Road Indianapolis Subdivision operates over 155 miles of the former Illinois Central line from Newton, IL to Indianapolis, IN. The railroad's Chicago Subdivision (ex-Milwaukee Road) runs from Terre Haute, IN to Burns, IN but does not enter Illinois; INRD reaches Chicago via trackage rights on CSX.

FrequencyLicenseTypeToneAlpha TagDescriptionModeTag
160.260WQYA343 BM CSQ AAR 010 10 Switching FMN Railroad
160.620WQYA343 BM CSQ AAR 034 34 Yard Operations FMN Railroad
161.100WQYA343 BM CSQ AAR 066 66 Indianapolis Sub Road/Dispatcher FMN Railroad
161.535WQYA343 BM CSQ AAR 095 95 Yard Operations FMN Railroad
Vandalia Railroad

Operates 5.5 miles of former Illinois Central trackage and connects with CSX at Vandalia.

FrequencyLicenseTypeToneAlpha TagDescriptionModeTag
160.545 BM CSQ AAR 029 29 General Operations FMN Railroad

MetroEast/Greater St. Louis

Class One Railroads

See the Class One Railroads above for local frequency uses
Served by Amtrak (using frequencies of the line owner), CSX, NS, UP

STARCOM21 Statewide Illinois
Project 25 Phase II
Utilized by BNSF Police, CSX Police (35105-35184) along with TRRA Police and A&SRR (7160). Rail Common on talkgroup 7253.
Alton and Southern RR (East St Louis)

Alton & Southern is a switching road in the MetroEast/Greater St. Louis area.  Gateway Yard 

STARCOM21 Statewide Illinois
Project 25 Phase II
Utilizes talkgroup 7160 for Police, and talkgroup 7253 St Clair County Rail Common. May interact with local police departments on their talkgroups.
FrequencyLicenseTypeToneAlpha TagDescriptionModeTag
160.770KDP208 BM CSQ A&SRR 44 Yard 1 Road/Dispatcher 1 (Ch 1) [AAR 044] FMN Railroad
160.335KSA422 BM CSQ A&SRR 15 Yard 2 Road/Switching 2 (Ch 2) [AAR 015] FMN Railroad
160.905 BM CSQ A&SRR 53 N Hump North Hump [AAR 053] FMN Railroad
161.445 BM CSQ A&SRR 89 S Hump South Hump [AAR 089] FMN Railroad
161.175 BM CSQ A&SRR 71 Carmen Carmen [AAR 071] FMN Railroad
Terminal Railroad Association of St. Louis (TRRA)

TRRA is a switching and terminal railroad in the metro St. Louis area, serving local customers and connecting BNSF, CN (ex-IC), CSX, NS and UP, as well as KCS.  More info in the wiki

STARCOM21 Statewide Illinois
Project 25 Phase II
Utilizes talkgroups 5401 - 5403, dispatched by Madison City Police but have access to multiple other agencies (Granite City, Madison County, Washington Park, Sauget, East St. Louis, etc)
Access to talkgroup 7253 St Clair County Rail Common and may interact with local police departments on their talkgroups.
FrequencyLicenseTypeToneAlpha TagDescriptionModeTag
160.425WPRF816 BM CSQ AAR 021 21 Switching FMN Railroad
160.500WPRF816 BM CSQ AAR 026 26 Road/Dispatcher FMN Railroad
160.650WPRF816 BM CSQ AAR 036 36 Switching FMN Railroad
161.310WPRF816 BM CSQ AAR 080 80 MoW and Switching FMN Railroad