The American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials recently released the latest episode in its “State DOT 2-Minute Update” video series; this one featuring the Wisconsin Department of Transportation.
[Above photo by AASHTO]
This video features Kristina Boardman, secretary of the Wisconsin DOT, who details key new developments in Wisconsin’s passenger rail system.
In May, the agency helped launch Wisconsin’s first new rail service in over 20 years, named Borealis, in conjunction with the Minnesota Department of Transportation and Amtrak; connecting Chicago through Wisconsin to Saint Paul, MN. Boardman said that, to date, ridership has already surpassed expectations, with 100,000 passengers traveling on the new rail service since its launch
Boardman also highlighted a $72 million Consolidated Rail Infrastructure and Safety Improvements or CRISI program award received by the agency in November to upgrade a Milwaukee rail yard, enhancing passenger rail efficiency by diverting freight traffic.
Those are the types of advances that reflect Wisconsin’s commitment to expanding and modernizing its rail infrastructure for safer and more enjoyable travel, she said.