WisDOT: All aboard for rail planning

Final 30-day comment period opens for long-range rail plan

The Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT) has announced that the final draft of Wisconsin Rail Plan 2050, which establishes a longterm vision for freight and passenger rail travel, is available for the last round of review and comment through June 10.

“Thank you to all who participated in the first round of public comment on the draft Wisconsin Rail Plan 2050. We invite the public to revisit our rail plans and participate in setting a course to help strengthen our economy and make our multimodal infrastructure more efficient and resilient,” WisDOT Secretary Craig Thompson said. “Rail moves about 32 percent of our freight in Wisconsin and demand for passenger service is growing. This is an exciting time to help plan the future of rail in Wisconsin.”

The draft Wisconsin Rail Plan 2050 is available to review online. Comments can be made through the online comment form. A website with more information about this planning effort is also available.

To request the plan in another form, please contact: WisDOT, Bureau of Planning and Economic Development, 4822 Madison Yards Way, PO Box 7913, Madison, WI 53705; email dotwirailplan2050@dot. wi.gov or call 608-266-3581.

The draft Wisconsin Rail Plan 2050 is part of a comprehensive review of WisDOT’s federally required long-range plans. When published, it will replace Wisconsin Rail Plan 2030. The initial draft went before the public on Jan. 27 for a 30-day comment period. The final plan is to be completed in 2023.

The Wisconsin Rail Plan 2050 will include policies for railroad crossings, freight rail, Wisconsin’s state-owned rail system, long distance passenger rail, intercity rail, and commuter rail. The plan will specifically discuss rail data trends, existing and possible future service levels, rail system conditions, and commodity freight movements.