WisDOT MAPSS - Preservation - State-owned and State-supported Rail Line Conditions - Protecting, maintaining and operating Wisconsin's transportation system efficiently by making sound investments that preserve and extend the life of our infrastructure, while protecting our natural environment.
State-owned and State-supported Rail Line Conditions - Protecting, maintaining and operating Wisconsin's transportation system efficiently by making sound investments that preserve and extend the life of our infrastructure, while protecting our natural environment.State-owned and State-supported rail lines in Wisconsin are used primarily for freight, and therefore our economic productivity and competitiveness depend on our ability to provide the highest possible train operating speeds. The department’s goal is to upgrade 10 miles of track every year until all 693.5 miles of state-owned and state-supported tracks are capable of operating at speeds above 10 mph.
The efficient movement of freight throughout the state enhances Wisconsin’s economic productivity and competitiveness. Optimizing daily train operating speeds ensures the safe and efficient movement of freight throughout the state.
Variability in railroad infrastructure program funding levels each program cycle, multi-year projects creating the appearance of little progress in one year and substantial progress in the next, and acquisition of new rail lines focusing on preservation of short-line rail service needs statewide all are key factors in understanding the variety of improvements or purchases the programs can fund. In addition, bridge projects do improve overall rail system safety, speed, efficiency, and reliability, but do not affect improved rail line miles. Sometimes abandonment or putting a line out of service will best serve the system by providing increased resources and funding to the more heavily used routes. Finally, the overall state of the economy impacts the volume of goods transported by the railroads, the revenue it produces and the reinvestment in infrastructure by the railroad companies.
The department reviews the annual maintenance plans of companies operating on state-owned railroad track and discusses opportunities to upgrade rail track and structure conditions. The department’s rail grant and loan program funds railroad infrastructure rehabilitation projects to improve track structure and increase operating speeds each year. Annual compliance inspections are done to ensure that railroads are properly maintaining state-owned rail lines. Due to ongoing investment in rail lines and enforcement of maintenance standards, the department expects this upward trend in the percent of miles meeting FRA’s Class 2 operating standards to continue.