(The Center Square) – Wisconsin received a $72.8 million federal grant to separate passenger and cargo trains in Milwaukee by creating a Muskego Freight Rail Yard Bypass.
A new double rail will be created through Muskego Yard, just south of the Menomonee River and passenger Milwaukee Intermodal station, so that freight can bypass that station and minimize future passenger rail delays while freeing up capacity to move products on freight trains through the region.
The grant marks the largest non-highway grant and largest rail grant Wisconsin received through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.
“In many ways, the future of rail in Wisconsin hinges on a successful Muskego Yard bypass project,” Wisconsin Department of Transportation Secretary Kristina Boardman said. “We’re thrilled to receive this pivotal funding that will significantly reshape our rail infrastructure plans in the coming years.”
Amtrak will provide $7 million in matching funds for the grant, which will help improve the Amtrak Hiawatha and Borealis line services.
The Hiawatha line set a record in 2019 of more than 880,000 passengers. Amtrak is also currently studying four additional passenger rail corridors which would bring new or enhanced passenger rail service to Green Bay, Eau Claire and Madison.
The Muskego Yard project is expected to reduce rail travel time through Milwaukee.
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