WSOR begins track rehab to restore service between Plymouth and Kohler

Written by Jenifer Nunez, assistant editor

The Wisconsin & Southern Railroad (WSOR) broke ground March 24 to reconstruct nearly 11 miles of state-owned freight rail track between Plymouth and Kohler, Wis.

 

This is part of a nine-year effort by state and local officials and area business owners to restore rail service after the line was embargoed in 2006.

Work had already begun on the line in late 2014 with the clearing of trees from the rail right-of-way and the recycling of the old tracks. Construction is expected to be completed by fall of 2015.

WSOR spokesperson, Ken Lucht, stated the railroad is excited to service several existing customers along the rail line and notes that there are several plots of land suited for industrial or warehousing uses along the rail line. In addition, the railroad is working with several area businesses to establish multi-modal capabilities on an existing spur.

The rail restoration project is estimated at $19.1 million. The Wisconsin Department of Transportation will provide more than $17 million towards the project. The remaining funds will be provided by WSOR; cities of Plymouth and Sheboygan Falls; Sheboygan County; Bemis Manufacturing; Kettle Lakes Co-op and Morrelle Transfer Incorporated.

 

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