Wisconsin finalizes rail corridor purchase

Written by Jenifer Nunez, assistant editor

The Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT) finalized its purchase of a 70-mile segment of rail line between Madison to Reedsburg and Madison to Cottage Grove.

 

“This significant investment is yet another example of our state’s continued commitment to a strong transportation system, which is vital to growing Wisconsin’s economy,” noted Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker.

WisDOT signed an acquisition agreement for the purchase of the Madison to Reedsburg and Cottage Grove rail corridor from Union Pacific earlier this year. With the acquisition completed, there are approximately 600 miles of state-owned track in Wisconsin, including this segment that includes a bridge over Lake Wisconsin at the village of Merrimac.

The $30-million purchase was made jointly with the Wisconsin River Rail Transit Commission (WRRTC) with funds from the Freight Rail Preservation Program, which provides grants to local units of government, industries and railroads for the purpose of preserving and rehabilitating essential rail lines. Service on the line will continue to be provided by the Wisconsin & Southern Railroad under lease with the WRRTC.

 

Tags: