Wisconsin DOT Renews Push for Amtrak Hiawatha Expansion to Madison Area
Published: June 26, 2026
By: Adam Burns
Governor Tony Evers and the Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT), in partnership with Amtrak, have submitted a major federal grant application to expand Amtrak’s popular Hiawatha Service westward from Milwaukee into Dane, Jefferson, and Waukesha counties. The proposal, announced on June 25, 2026, seeks to extend two daily round trips of the Chicago-Milwaukee Hiawatha trains to new stations in Pewaukee, Watertown, and Madison.
This marks a renewed effort to restore intercity passenger rail service to Madison, which has not had direct Amtrak service since 1971. The project is commonly referred to as “Hiawatha West.”
Proposed Service Details
The expansion would build on the existing seven daily round trips of the Hiawatha Service between Chicago and Milwaukee. Two of those trains would continue west of Milwaukee using existing railroad infrastructure:
- CPKC main line from Milwaukee to Watertown.
- Wisconsin & Southern Railroad (state-owned) trackage from Watertown to Madison.
New or improved stations would serve Pewaukee (Waukesha County), Watertown (Jefferson County), and Madison (Dane County). The service would initially operate with temporary, ADA-accessible station platforms.
Amtrak and partners have previously shared preliminary schedules showing connections that would allow passengers to travel between Madison and Chicago with convenient transfers or direct extensions.
Funding Request
WisDOT and Amtrak applied for a $218.2 million federal grant under programs supporting intercity passenger rail. The total estimated capital cost of the project is approximately $272.8 million, with the state providing a required 20% local match of about $54.6 million.
The funding would cover:
- Bridge rehabilitations
- Track and crossing upgrades
- Station platform construction
In addition, the state anticipates providing an annual operating subsidy of approximately $2.5 million. If approved, service could begin as early as 2030.
The Trump Administration is expected to review the application in the coming months.
Background and History
The push revives long-standing plans for Madison rail service. In 2009–2010, Wisconsin had secured an $810 million federal grant for a Milwaukee–Madison high-speed rail line, but then-Governor Scott Walker rejected the funding, citing concerns over operating costs and state contributions.
Governor Evers referenced this history in the announcement:
“The opportunity to expand passenger rail has haunted Wisconsin for a generation because of a short-sighted political stunt—that decision cost our state dearly, and we want to right that wrong.” He described the current effort as “an important effort that should have happened a long time ago.”
The proposal builds on earlier Corridor Identification and Development Program work. WisDOT previously received a $500,000 federal grant for service development planning, and broader studies have explored extensions toward the Twin Cities via Eau Claire.
Related Efforts on the Core Hiawatha Corridor
Separately, WisDOT and the Illinois Department of Transportation continue work on improving the core Chicago–Milwaukee Hiawatha corridor. Plans include increasing service from seven to ten daily round trips and potential speed improvements (up to 90 mph in some segments). An Environmental Assessment and Service Development Plan for these enhancements remain in progress.
Potential Benefits and Next Steps
Proponents highlight improved connectivity between Wisconsin’s capital and major economic centers in Milwaukee and Chicago, reduced highway congestion, lower emissions compared to driving, and economic development opportunities around new stations.
Public engagement on the Hiawatha West concept occurred in spring 2026, including webinars hosted by Amtrak. Madison has also conducted studies on potential downtown station locations.
The grant application represents a significant step forward, though final approval, detailed engineering, environmental reviews, and agreements with host railroads (CPKC and Wisconsin & Southern) will still be required.
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