Line passes through the hilliest part of Illinois. Between Portage and East Cabin, Illinois Central acquired in 1888 a newly constructed parallel track from the Burlington Route. And Illinois Central operated both tracks as a double track line for both railroads. In 1994, Burlington successor BNSF gained control of the segment. Between 1974 and 1981, Amtrak operated the Black Hawk over this route as far west as Dubuque, no passenger service has operated over this route since then. Although proposals exist to restore passenger service in the future.
Radio Frequency - 161.190 (AAR Channel 72)
115.6 Freeport
116.8 West Jct.
122.3 Eleroy
127.1 Lena
130.9 Waddams Grove
135.0 Nora
138.4 East Warren
138.5 Warren
139.8 West Warren
144.4 Apple River
152.7 Scales Mound
158.1 Council Hill
164.3 Grant
165.5 Galena
168.8 Portage
181.5 East Cabin
182.0 East Dubuque
182.8 Dubuque Jct.
183.2 Dubuque
1 track, CTC in use, controlled by Dispatcher Desk #7 in Homewood.
Portage to East Cabin - 2 tracks, CTC in use, controlled by BNSF.