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Hiawatha West
Project Status
In FRA Corridor Identification & Development Program
Composing a Service Development Plan (SDP) that aligns with Federal Railroad Administration’s (FRA) Corridor Identification & Development Program. Stop locations are being evaluated and will be finalized at the end of the SDP, following public and stakeholder engagement process.
Quick Facts
Estimated Program Completion
- SDP estimated to be completed in 2026
- PE/NEPA estimated to be completed in 2027
- FD/Construction estimate to be determined during PE/NEPA
- Implementation to be determined during FD/Construction
Benefits
Extends up to two Hiawatha Service trains to Waukesha, Jefferson and Dane counties.
States Served
Wisconsin, Illinois
Upcoming Milestones
Completion of SDP in 2026
Funding Sources
FRA Corridor ID Program, City of Madison
Program Partners
FRA, Amtrak, Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT), Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT), CPKC, Wisconsin & Southern Railroad (WSOR)
Amtrak is working with the Federal Railroad Administration, state and local partners, and freight railroad partners to extend two Chicago-Milwaukee Hiawatha Service trains west to Waukesha, Jefferson, and Dane counties.
Amtrak is working with its partners to design a project that can be implemented quickly and cost effectively and generate a strong return on investment. This initial service would have up to 2 daily round trips and minimal station stops (one in each county). The evaluation of how to best serve the three counties has led to a focus on initial temporary stations in the Pewaukee, Watertown, and Madison areas. This is based on an alternatives assessment that considered various factors such as access to population centers and spacing of stations, operational feasibility, and ridership potential. No decisions are final until the end of the SDP process, and future completion of preliminary engineering and NEPA environmental clearance. Permanent stations will be identified as part of a larger Milwaukee-Madison-Eau Claire-Twin Cities Study.
Hiawatha West is an opportunity to expand the transportation and economic benefits of the existing Hiawatha Service to other communities in southern Wisconsin.
The extension will improve overall financial performance by extending it to new markets.
The project will:
- Offer a safe, cost-effective, and convenient rail service with travel times comparable to I-90 and I-94
- Encourage a resilient local economy that attracts and retains residents and businesses while also expanding communities’ tax base.
- Support people who live and work in Wisconsin with convenient, practical schedules to key economic, educational, and social hubs
- Provide direct service to regional hubs with the ability to be productive while traveling with a level of comfort and space and on-board services that only intercity passenger rail can provide
Analysis is underway and initial study findings suggest that extending Chicago-Milwaukee Hiawatha Service to these counties requires:
- Railroad bridge replacements
- Track improvements for higher speeds
- Crossing upgrades to maintain safety for other road users
Project Timeline
Hiawatha West is part of a multi-step process to get to implementation. Amtrak is currently developing concepts to be included in a Service Development Plan (SDP), which is required by the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA). Stop locations are being evaluated with state and local partners and will be shared through a public process.
Once the SDP is approved by the FRA, the project will begin preliminary engineering (PE) and environmental clearance (NEPA) of any railroad improvements that are identified in the planning process, and stations. This step is supported by 80% federal and 20% local funding, including a match from the City of Madison.
Once PE/NEPA is complete, the project will be ready to apply for a federal funding grant that covers final design and construction.
Service Development Plan
Amtrak is working with the Federal Railroad Administration, state and local partners, and railroad partners to extend two Chicago-Milwaukee Hiawatha Service trains west to Waukesha, Jefferson, and Dane counties.
The first phase of this effort involves designing a project that can be implemented quickly and cost effectively and generate a strong return on investment. This initial service would have minimal station stops to optimize use of limited resources and minimize travel time. The evaluation of how to best serve the three counties has led to a focus on stops in the Pewaukee, Watertown, and Madison areas. This is based on various factors such as access to population centers and spacing of stations, operational feasibility, and ridership potential.
Public and Stakeholder Engagement
The outreach plan includes opportunities for the public to provide feedback and to learn more about the project. Amtrak hosted a public webinar on April 14 at 7PM CT. The webinar included a presentation and an opportunity to ask questions. Members of the public are encouraged to review the recording below and submit questions/comments using the other button below. Comments will be accepted through May 15th.
Contact Us: HiawathaWest@Amtrak.com
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