The West Central Wisconsin Rail Coalition is asking the public to share how they would use expanded passenger rail service if a proposed route connecting Eau Claire to the Twin Cities becomes a reality. The outreach initiative follows a key milestone reached by the Chippewa-St. Croix Rail Commission, which finished the initial step of the Federal Railroad Administration’s Corridor ID Program and prepared to advance.
Corridor ID Program Step 2 and Timeline
Having completed the first phase of the federal process, the Chippewa-St. Croix Rail Commission is positioned to begin step 2, according to the West Central Wisconsin Rail Coalition. Step 2 involves creating a Core Service Development Plan to evaluate the operational feasibility of running passenger trains along existing Union Pacific tracks between Eau Claire and the Twin Cities. Planned stops along the route include Menomonie, Baldwin, Hudson, and Stillwater.
The second phase carries an estimated price tag of just under $2 million and will require two years to finish. Federal funding covers 90% of the project cost, while non-federal sources will supply the remaining 10% over the two-year development window.
Public Survey and Route Planning
To gauge local demand and inform transit planners, the West Central Wisconsin Rail Coalition launched a public survey asking residents about their potential travel habits and how they intend to use the train if service launches in the region.
Residents can review regional transit options and fill out the survey on the WEAU website to provide input on the proposed passenger rail connection.
Related reading