What are the opening hours?

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

Railtec at Illinois, Newmark Civil Engineering Laboratory, 205 North Mathews Avenue, Urbana, IL (2026)

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.

09/02/2026

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/

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Railtec at Illinois posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Contact The University

Send a message to Railtec at Illinois:

Railtec at Illinois