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Madison rail link advances with more than $218 million in federal support
Wisconsin officials say federal funding will support final design and construction of a proposed Amtrak route extending west from Milwaukee to Madison. The plan includes proposed stations in Pewaukee, Watertown and Madison.
More than $218 million in federal funding has been secured for a proposed passenger rail connection between Chicago and Madison, U.S. Sen. Tammy Baldwin and Gov. Tony Evers announced Friday, Oct. 16.
The money would expand Amtrak’s Hiawatha service west from Milwaukee, using the existing Chicago-to-Milwaukee route. Proposed temporary stations along the new Hiawatha West route would be located in Pewaukee, Watertown and Madison.
The Federal Railroad Administration’s Consolidated Rail Infrastructure and Safety Improvements program will fund final design and construction, according to the announcement. Planned work includes rehabilitating and expanding the capacity of tracks, bridges and crossings, as well as building intercity passenger rail stations.
Baldwin said the project is expected to improve freight rail safety, speed and reliability. Officials also project it would create 200 permanent jobs and generate $46 million in annual economic benefits.
Evers said the service could give residents another way to travel to work, school and other activities, while supporting jobs. The funding advances the project, but the announcement did not provide a timeline for construction or when passenger service might begin.