The route is expected to begin by late 2027, reinstating rail service to Rockford for the first time in over 40 years after the discontinuation of Amtrak's Black Hawk in 1981.

The route will continue west beyond Big Timber Road on a new connection to Union Pacific's Belvidere Subdivision.

[3] The route has yet to receive an official name, with Metra interested in branding the service to distinguish it from its existing commuter rail network.

Station locations and designs in Huntley, Belvidere, and Rockford need to be determined, with preliminary plans expected by November 1, 2023.

One reason Metra was selected as an operator over Amtrak was existing fare integration with other Chicago area transit authorities.