james posted on January 05, 2016 09:59
(Milton, WI) Excerpts Courtesy of the Gazette
Walker on Monday announced that the state will offer $8.1 million in grants and a $1.01 million loan through the Wisconsin's freight railroad assistance program to fund the second phase of improvements and rail upgrades to 41 miles of track that runs between Waukesha and Milton, according to a news release from the governor's office.
The state-owned freight line, which is operated by Wisconsin & Southern Railroad, has sections of track and some infrastructure that is up to 100 years old, railroad officials have said. Using earlier state funding, the railroad focused last year on replacing track and ties on portions of rail line in Janesville.
The new wave of funding will include track rehabilitation, construction of eight public crossings, five turnouts, replacement of 12.7 miles of track with continuously welded rail that is heavier gauge than the older track, and 11,800 new ties, the release said.