The proposed Chicago-to-Rockford train line runs through Marengo. Can the city get a stop on the route?

The train tracks on which the proposed Chicago-to-Rockford line would run go right through the center of Marengo. And the city wants the trains to stop there.

But while Huntley and Belvidere are both along the proposed new Metra line and are expected to get stops, Marengo – roughly midway between the two towns, or about 12 miles from each – is not.

Marengo officials are formalizing their aspirations to bring a passenger rail stop to town, and the city council is expected to take up a resolution to that effect in the coming days.

While Huntley is expected to get a stop on the line, the location is still to be determined. Officials also have some worries about the station, including its costs and the parking situation.

The Illinois Railway Museum in Union is also along the line, but visitors will continue to need to drive out there since the museum isn’t getting a stop either.

Among the benefits of a rail stop Marengo cites in its resolution are reduced traffic congestion and the potential for economic development.

Approving the resolution means the city council is committing to work with stakeholders to bring a stop to town and is directing city staff to “engage in advocacy efforts with state and regional transportation officials to prioritize the development of this important transportation infrastructure project,” according to the document.

The Marengo City Council meeting is 7 p.m. Monday at City Hall, 132 E. Prairie Street.

An Illinois Department of Transportation spokesperson confirmed plans for the Rockford rail project don’t involve plans for a Marengo station, but the agency has talked with the city about adding a station there in the future.