Milwaukee Hosts Celebration for $72.8 Million Federal Investment in Wisconsin Rail Infrastructure

Today, the Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT) and the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) gathered in Milwaukee to commemorate a significant federal investment aimed at transforming freight and passenger rail services across Wisconsin. The FRA has awarded WisDOT a substantial grant of $72.8 million for the Muskego Freight Rail Yard Bypass Project, which will involve reconfiguring existing tracks and yard facilities along the Canadian Pacific Kansas City Railway (CPKC) corridor in Milwaukee.

Local, state, and federal officials convened at the Milwaukee Intermodal Station to highlight the importance of this grant and its anticipated impact on the state's rail infrastructure. FRA Administrator Amit Bose emphasized the project's significance, describing it as a crucial element for future rail development in Wisconsin.

"Under the Biden-Harris Administration and through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, the FRA has announced funding for nearly 300 rail projects nationwide, and we are thrilled to see multiple grants awarded to Wisconsin, including this week’s latest FRA CRISI grant," stated FRA Administrator Amit Bose. "With the CRISI funding for the Muskego Yard Bypass Project, we will enhance the speed of freight and passenger trains traveling through Milwaukee. These improvements will bolster supply chains and reduce congestion and delays for passengers relying on various Amtrak routes in the area. Furthermore, this project lays the groundwork for potential new and expanded passenger services that will benefit Wisconsin. We look forward to continuing our partnership with WisDOT, Amtrak, and others to enhance and expand rail services in Wisconsin and beyond."

This grant was awarded through the Consolidated Rail Infrastructure and Safety Improvements (CRISI) Program, funded by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL). Notably, this represents the largest non-highway discretionary grant WisDOT has received under the BIL to date.

The Muskego Yard project will establish a new double-track mainline, which will significantly reduce delays for both passenger and freight trains while enhancing safety. This initiative also paves the way for the expansion of passenger rail services throughout Wisconsin.

Deputy Secretary Scott Lawry remarked, "The Muskego Yard project is vital to our objective of creating a comprehensive freight and passenger rail system in Wisconsin. This investment enables WisDOT to support potential new and expanded passenger rail services while continuing to bolster the freight industry, ensuring our economy remains safe and efficient."

The planned route adjustments will allow freight trains to bypass the Milwaukee Intermodal Station, alleviating congestion and delays at this busy hub. This change will also minimize the number of trains crossing heavily trafficked streets in Milwaukee, thereby reducing traffic wait times and the risk of pedestrian accidents.

Additionally, the project will enable Wisconsin to expand passenger rail services on the highly frequented Hiawatha route connecting Milwaukee and Chicago. WisDOT is now positioned to support up to ten daily round trips, catering to the growing demand for this service.

Wisconsin's strong collaboration with CPKC will further enhance the Hiawatha and Borealis services. Amtrak has committed $7 million in matching funds for this initiative.

Amtrak President Roger Harris stated, "Amtrak has contributed a $7 million match toward this CRISI grant to facilitate smoother rail traffic flow through downtown Milwaukee. This project will create a bypass for freight traffic through the Muskego Yard, reducing congestion and conflicts with our three popular routes serving Milwaukee: The Hiawatha, Borealis, and Empire Builder. Once the freight yard improvements are completed, we will see increased capacity at this station for additional Amtrak trains."

These upgrades are essential for the success of four proposed passenger rail corridors currently under evaluation through the FRA’s Corridor ID program. WisDOT is exploring the feasibility of introducing new or enhanced passenger rail services to Wisconsin communities such as Green Bay, Eau Claire, and Madison, all of which will connect with the Milwaukee Intermodal Station.