Hiawatha West — Amtrak extension to Madison
Summary
Amtrak and WisDOT want to extend two Hiawatha round trips from Milwaukee through Waukesha, Jefferson, and Watertown to Madison — a one-seat ride to Chicago. It's a $273 million project needing a $55 million state match, with safety upgrades at 33 grade crossings. Preliminary engineering is underway now.
At a glance
- Total mentions
- 1
- Last 30 days
- 1
Discussed at 1 meeting in the last 60 days; most recently Oct 8, 2026.
Impact analysis
$273 million capital cost with a $55 million state match requested in the next state budget.
Riders in Madison, Waukesha, Jefferson County, and travelers to Chicago gain a direct rail option plus safer grade crossings.
Mentions & discussions (1)
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