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Railtec at Illinois

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Railtec at Illinois

Rail Transportation and Engineering Center at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign.

Who we are:
For over a century the University of Illinois has been a leader in railway engineering research and education. Beginning with Talbot's fundamental work on railroad track design, and Schmidt & Tuthill's work on train energy and power requirements, through Hay's textbook on railroad engineering, The U of I has a distinguished record of accomplishment and remains highly respected by today's railroad engineering community. What we do:
Education
Inspire and sustain students and faculty interest in rail engineering and transport. Teach courses and offer a curriculum in rail engineering and transportation. Place Graduates in rewarding positions in rail engineering, transportation planning, and operations. Understand the critical educational issues in rail transportation, and develop practical, effective solutions. Research
Understand the critical research issues in rail transportation, and develop practical, effective solutions. Conduct practical and theoretical research in critically important current topics in rail engineering and transportation. Communicate the results of this research to the rail transportation community. Service
Provide knowledge and expertise to university, industry, government, and public on rail transportation and engineering topics.

09/11/2026

The Sergio A. Pecori Faculty Scholar in Civil Engineering position is a prestigious endowed honorary title at Illinois within The Grainger College of Engineering. It is awarded to an outstanding faculty member, typically within the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering or closely tied to RailTEC. It is named after Sergio Pecori (Satch), a prominent Illinois alumnus (BS ’73, MS ’74) and the Chairman and CEO of Hanson Professional Services Inc., who is known for his philanthropic contributions, leadership in civil engineering, and support of RailTEC and CEE at Illinois. J. Riley Edwards, Ph.D, P.E. (George Krambles Director of RailTEC) was named the first recipient of this honor.

A special thank you to Satch Pecori, for his leadership, generosity, and commitment to engineering at it continues to shape the future of RailTEC and the University of Illinois.

09/09/2026

Looking to build a career in rail and transportation?

Connect with leading employers at the Grainger Engineering Fall 2026 In-Person Career Fair, including Union Pacific Railroad, Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA), and more.

📅Sept. 9-10, 2026
📍State Farm Center

09/08/2026

This summer, RailTEC at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign welcomed three NURail CoE interns: Brandi Thomas and Gary Bonds III from Tuskegee University, and Matthew Cheruiyot from Morgan State University.

Through hands-on research in rail transportation engineering, the interns contributed to projects involving railroad maintenance analysis, rail temperature modeling, and more. Along the way, they gained valuable industry experience, worked alongside graduate researchers, and explored potential careers in the rail industry.

Beyond research, they attended the 8th International Crosstie and Fastening System Symposium, where they had the opportunity to connect with industry professionals and learned about current rail infrastructure challenges.

A great example of RailTEC and NURail CoE working together to develop the next generation of rail and transportation engineers! 🚆

Read more: https://nurailcoe.railtec.illinois.edu/nurail-coe-summer-interns-at-illinois/.

09/02/2026

Following the retirement of Professor Christopher P. L. Barkan, J. Riley Edwards, Ph.D., P.E., CEE Associate Professor and Senior Associate Director of the NuRail Center of Excellence, has assumed the role of George Krambles Director of RailTEC. Professor Edwards was recently promoted to Associate Professor with indefinite tenure and appointed the Sergio A. Pecori Faculty Scholar in Civil Engineering, an honorary title recognizing an outstanding faculty member in the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering.

Professor Edwards earned his bachelor’s degree from Vanderbilt University and his master’s and Ph.D. degrees in Civil and Environmental Engineering from the University of Illinois Urbana- Champaign. His research focuses on railway track and component design for applications in rail transit systems and heavy axle freight railroads. He also actively mentors graduate and undergraduate students concentrating in railway engineering.

Please join us in congratulating Professor Edwards as he steps into his new role!

09/01/2026

🚆Celebrating an Extraordinary Legacy in Rail Transportation & Engineering!

After 28 years at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, and more than 38 years of leadership and innovation in the rail industry, Professor Christopher P. L. Barkan, George Krambles Director of the Rail Transportation and Engineering Center (RailTEC) and Director of the National University Rail Center of Excellence (NURail CoE), retired on August 15 and is transitioning to a part-time research faculty position. Professor J. Riley Edwards has assumed the role of George Krambles Director of RailTEC.

During his time at Illinois, Professor Barkan made lasting contributions to rail safety and transportation research. His work in quantitative risk analysis, hazardous materials transportation, and car safety design has influenced industry standards and improved rail safety throughout North America.

As he transitions to a part-time research faculty role, RailTEC and the broader rail community celebrate his extraordinary career and contributions to education, research, and engineering.

Read more: https://railtec.illinois.edu/2026/08/27/railtec-announces-retirement-of-professor-chris-barkan/.

05/20/2026

👏 Thank You to Our Platinum Sponsors 👏

RailTEC at Illinois extends our sincere appreciation to the Platinum Sponsors supporting the 2026 International Crosstie & Fastening System Symposium:
⭐ Koppers Inc.
⭐ Sicut Enterprises
⭐ Progress Rail, A Caterpillar Company
⭐ Vossloh
⭐ Yuerui International

Your leadership and commitment to advancing railway infrastructure make this event possible. Through your partnership, we’re able to bring together industry experts and innovators to share knowledge, drive research, and strengthen the future of rail systems worldwide.

🚆 Join us and be part of the conversation—register today to secure your spot!

👉 https://crosstie.railtec.illinois.edu/

We are grateful for your continued support and collaboration.

05/13/2026

👏 Recognizing Our Valued Sponsors 👏

RailTEC at Illinois is proud to recognize and thank the sponsors supporting the 2026 International Crosstie & Fastening System Symposium:
🔹 Holland, L.P.
🔹 Lewis Bolt and Nut Company
🔹 Pandrol
🔹 Tracktec

Your support plays a vital role in bringing together industry leaders, researchers, and practitioners to exchange knowledge and advance railway infrastructure performance. We truly appreciate your partnership and dedication to innovation in the rail sector.

🚆 Be part of this important conversation—register today and join us at the symposium!

👉 https://crosstie.railtec.illinois.edu/

05/06/2026

Join us at the 2026 International Crosstie & Fastening System Symposium!

RailTEC at Illinois is excited to invite industry professionals, researchers, and partners to register for the 2026 International Crosstie and Fastening System Symposium—a premier event focused on advancing track infrastructure performance, durability, and innovation.

Whether you're looking to deepen your technical knowledge, connect with peers, or stay ahead of evolving industry trends, this symposium is a must-attend.

👉 Register today and explore the preliminary program: https://crosstie.railtec.illinois.edu/

Thank you to our symposium partners Railway Tie Association and the National University Rail Center of Excellence!

Address

Newmark Civil Engineering Laboratory, 205 North Mathews Avenue
Urbana, IL
61801

Opening Hours

Monday	8am - 5pm
Tuesday	8am - 5pm
Wednesday	8am - 5pm
Thursday	8am - 5pm
Friday	8am - 5pm

Website

http://railtec.illinois.edu/

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