Illinois transportation officials say work on the infrastructure for high-speed rail in central Illinois has been delayed until spring.

Paris Ervin, a spokeswoman for the Illinois Department of Transportation, says the timetable has been pushed back because of inclement weather. The work was originally expected to begin this fall in Normal. Instead, crews will upgrade siding tracks, improve rail crossings and install four-quad and pedestrian gates next year.

Reports indicate a spokesman for the Union Pacific Railroad says the delay will also allow work to be done "during the off-school season."

Normal Public Works Director Wayne Aldrich says the new timetable will probably work better with the city's plan to construct an overhead walkway at Uptown Station. He says bids could be submitted this month and awarded at the beginning of 2015.