Wisconsin DOT unveils long-range rail plan

The Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT) will host an open house and public hearing on Dec. 10 to solicit comments on the final draft of its recently released statewide rail plan.

The Wisconsin Rail Plan 2030 — the state's first rail plan mandated as part of the federal Passenger Rail Investment and Improvement Act of 2008 — provides the department's vision for freight trail, intercity passenger rail and commuter rail over the next 20 years. The plan identifies rail network issues and recommendations, and provides a "framework in which the state and stakeholders may maintain, improve and plan" for the state's rail network, WisDOT officials said in a press release.

The plan includes long-range capital projects, which are listed under four categories: freight rail, intercity passenger rail, commuter rail and rail-highway interface.

In addition to comments received at the Dec. 10 meeting at the department’s Southwest Region Office in Madison, WisDOT officials will accept written and phone comments on the plan, as well as on the accompanying System-plan Environmental Evaluation, through Dec. 31.

The plan can be read here.