Amtrak’s proposed Hiawatha West passenger rail expansion in Wisconsin has taken a step forward thanks to funding through the Federal Railroad Administration’s (FRA) Consolidated Rail Infrastructure and Safety Improvements (CRISI) programme.
The project, being advanced by the Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT) and Amtrak, aims to extend Chicago–Milwaukee Hiawatha service westwards to communities in Waukesha, Jefferson and Dane counties, including Pewaukee, Watertown and Madison.
The federal grant will fund improvements to existing rail infrastructure, targeting safety, reliability and capacity. The upgrades will support future Hiawatha West services while also benefiting Amtrak’s existing Borealis and Empire Builder routes.
The project is being developed in coordination with the host railroads, Canadian Pacific Kansas City (CPKC) and Wisconsin & Southern Railroad, which is operated by Watco.
Amtrak estimates that Hiawatha West could generate approximately 278,000 additional annual passengers once the expanded service is operational. The project is also projected to deliver around 46 million USD in annual regional economic benefits and support approximately 200 permanent jobs associated with passenger operations.
Jennifer Mitchell, Amtrak’s Executive Vice President of Strategy & Planning, said:This award is a major step toward bringing the convenience and connectivity of the Hiawatha service to more Wisconsin communities. We appreciate the support of the USDOT and FRA, along with the collaboration of all our partners and communities helping to move this project forward. Together, we are advancing a project that will improve rail infrastructure, strengthen the regional economy and give more people a safe, reliable and convenient way to travel.
Hiawatha West is expected to expand the reach of Amtrak’s existing Chicago–Milwaukee corridor, providing additional connections between Wisconsin communities and the wider national passenger rail network.
Wisconsin’s passenger rail network also includes the Borealis service, which operates between Chicago and the Twin Cities via Milwaukee. The Empire Builder, which connects Chicago with the Pacific Northwest, also serves the state.
The latest funding award advances infrastructure work needed to support the proposed expansion. Amtrak and WisDOT have not yet specified a launch date for Hiawatha West.
U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy said:Under President Trump, USDOT is investing in rail projects that will unleash local economies and deliver real safety upgrades. From improving shortline infrastructure and port connections so critical products can get where they need to go faster to enhancing fencing along trespassing hotspots, this package will tangibly improve lives for millions of Americans. These improvements are all part of our efforts to rekindle a Golden Age of Rail in America.
