Energizing the Past: Electrical Solutions for the Illinois Railway Museum
January 6, 2026

The Illinois Railway Museum in Union, IL is the largest railway museum in the United States, with one of the most diverse and operational collections of historic trains and transit equipment in North America. Its electrical components are crucial to preserving more than 500 pieces of historic railway and transit equipment, including steam and diesel locomotives, and more.

Benson Electrical Contracting has been selected for electrical construction of a new equipment storage building designed to bring more of the collection under cover and reduce weather-related deterioration.

Our team of trained commercial electricians are busy at work, both inside and around its massive storage facility providing power and grounding systems to help prevent dangers such as moisture buildup, accidental short circuits, and fire risks – essential safeguards when preserving one-of-a-kind historic equipment.

Building: Storage building

Size: 28,892 sqf

Electrical Contracting Services:

• Power & Distribution
• Interior Lighting
• Exterior Lighting

Location: Union, IL