Rochelle officials continue to move forward in the expansion of the city railroad this year.
The council last night approved engineering work on the 13,000 linear feet of rail along with a bridge project.
The cost for the preliminary and final design totals $450,000 along with $375,000 for service during the construction phase.
City Manager David Plyman said that extending the railroad will mean additional businesses for Rochelle in the future.
Construction is scheduled to begin later this year. Plyman expects the project to take about a year to complete.
City officials approved a sign varaince for Liquor 'N' Wine along Illinois 251 North for their new store along with an increase in reconnection fees for RMU.
Absent from last night's meeting was Mayor Chet Olson along with Councilmen Dave Eckhardt and Bil Hayes.
