The Badger State's Iron Veins
Navigating the operational complexities, historical evolution, and economic impact of a vital regional rail network.
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About WSOR
A Regional Rail Powerhouse
The Wisconsin and Southern Railroad (reporting mark WSOR, later WAMX) functions as a Class II regional railroad, playing a pivotal role in the freight transportation infrastructure of Southern Wisconsin and Northeastern Illinois. Established in 1980, it has consistently served as a critical link for various industries within its operational footprint.[1]
Corporate Structure & Locale
Headquartered in Madison, Wisconsin, the WSOR operates under the ownership of Watco, a prominent transportation and logistics company. Its extensive network spans across key economic regions, facilitating the movement of diverse commodities. The railroad's operational tenure extends from its inception in 1980 to the present day, demonstrating sustained relevance in the regional economy.[1]
Technical Specifications
The Wisconsin and Southern Railroad operates on standard gauge trackage, measuring 4 feet 8.5 inches (1,435 mm). Its network encompasses an impressive 837 miles (1,347 km) of track, a testament to its significant reach and capacity within the region. This extensive infrastructure allows for efficient and reliable freight movement across its service areas.[1]
Strategic Connections
Interfacing with Class I Networks
WSOR's strategic location enables crucial interconnections with major Class I railroads, facilitating seamless freight transfer across national networks. Within Wisconsin, it connects with four prominent western Class I carriers: BNSF Railway, Canadian National Railway, Canadian Pacific Kansas City, and Union Pacific Railroad. This integration is vital for regional and national supply chains.[1]
Gateway to Chicago
Through trackage rights over Metra, WSOR gains essential access to Chicago, a major North American rail hub. This access allows the railroad to connect with the two eastern Class I railroads: CSX Transportation and Norfolk Southern Railway. This critical link ensures comprehensive coverage and broad logistical capabilities for its clients.[1]
Multimodal Logistics
Beyond direct rail-to-rail interchanges, WSOR also provides access to vital multimodal facilities. It connects to harbor facilities in Prairie du Chien, enabling efficient waterborne freight transfers. Additionally, transload facilities are strategically located in Milwaukee, Janesville, Madison, and Oshkosh, offering flexible solutions for transferring goods between rail and other transportation modes.[1]
Operational Dynamics
Divisional Structure
For optimized train operations, the WSOR system is bifurcated into two distinct entities: the Northern Division and the Southern Division. The Northern Division largely comprises the original WSOR trackage from 1980, augmented by subsequent additions around the Milwaukee area since the 1990s. The Southern Division, conversely, encompasses lines acquired from the Wisconsin and Calumet Railroad in 1992, with its operational core centered around Madison and Janesville, alongside further acquisitions in the Madison vicinity during the 1990s.[1]
Inter-Divisional Linkage
While the two divisions are not directly connected by WSOR-owned trackage, operational continuity is maintained through strategic trackage rights. A short section of Canadian National's Waukesha Subdivision, extending from Waukesha to Slinger, provides the essential physical link between the Northern and Southern Divisions, ensuring integrated network functionality.[1]
Core Facilities
The administrative and operational backbone of WSOR is distributed across several key locations:
- Headquarters: Madison, Wisconsin, serving as the central hub terminal.
- Train Dispatching: Horicon, where all train movements are managed.
- Locomotive Maintenance: Primarily in Janesville, with supplementary operations in Horicon.
- Paint Shops: Horicon also hosts paint shops that undertake contract work for both rolling stock and locomotives, highlighting a specialized service offering.[1]
Historical Trajectory
Genesis and Early Expansion (1980s-1990s)
The Wisconsin and Southern Railroad commenced operations in 1980, following the state's acquisition of several branch lines from the Chicago, Milwaukee, St. Paul and Pacific Railroad (Milwaukee Road). A significant 50-year agreement was forged with WSOR, an entity organized by the FSC Corporation. Further expansion occurred in August 1992 when WSOR assumed control of the Wisconsin and Calumet Railroad, which had been established in 1985. This acquisition provided crucial access to Chicago (via Metra trackage rights from Fox Lake), Janesville, Madison, and Prairie du Chien. Notably, a stub of the Illinois Central Gulf Railroad in Madison, initially abandoned in 1997, saw its final abandonment in 2012 when the Charter Street Heating Plant ceased coal usage.[2]
Strategic Growth and Network Consolidation (Mid-1990s-2000s)
The mid-1990s marked a period of strategic network consolidation. In 1996, WSOR leased former Chicago and North Western Railway (C&NW) trackage in the Madison area from the Union Pacific Railroad. This was followed by the lease of an ex-Milwaukee Road line between Madison and Watertown from the Soo Line Railroad in 1998, which was subsequently purchased outright in 2003.[3] Further expansion in 2005 saw the state acquire an ex-Milwaukee Road line between Saukville and Kiel, which Wisconsin Central Ltd. had planned to abandon. Shortly thereafter, WSOR partially leased and partially purchased an ex-C&NW line extending to Sheboygan from Union Pacific.[4][5]
Recent Developments and Acquisitions (2010s-Present)
The 2010s brought significant changes, including a notable acquisition. On November 29, 2011, it was publicly announced that WSOR would be acquired by Watco, with the transaction finalized on January 1, 2012.[8][9] Prior to this, from 2010 to 2015, WSOR operated the Madison Terminal Railway, a short spur dedicated to servicing a transloading facility in Madison. In December 2012, the state of Wisconsin provided $17.1 million in financial aid to rehabilitate an 11-mile (18 km) rail line connecting Plymouth and Kohler, with service commencing in 2015.[10][11]
Network & Routes
Northern Division Routes
The Northern Division encompasses a critical network of lines primarily serving the Milwaukee area and extending northwest. These routes are essential for transporting a variety of commodities.
Southern Division Routes
The Southern Division forms a robust network centered around Madison and Janesville, providing vital links for various industries and access to major rail hubs.
Distinguished Recognition
Regional Railroad of the Year
The Wisconsin and Southern Railroad's commitment to operational excellence and service quality has been formally recognized within the industry. In 2009, Railway Age magazine bestowed upon WSOR the prestigious "Regional Railroad of the Year" award. This accolade underscores the railroad's significant contributions to regional transportation and its adherence to high standards in rail operations.[6]
Governance & Ethics
Campaign Finance Controversy
In April 2011, William Gardner, then president and chief executive officer of WSOR, faced serious legal challenges. He was charged with two felonies, accused of orchestrating a scheme to funnel over $60,000 in illegal campaign contributions through WSOR employees during the 2010 Wisconsin gubernatorial election. The vast majority of these contributions were directed towards Wisconsin Governor Scott Walker.[7]
Resolution and Accountability
In response to the charges, Gardner entered into a plea agreement. He agreed to plead guilty to the two felony counts. As part of the deal, prosecutors opted not to seek incarceration, instead pursuing a sentence of two years' probation. In a public statement, Gardner acknowledged his errors and accepted full responsibility for his actions. This event highlighted critical aspects of corporate governance and ethical conduct within the railroad industry.[7]
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References
References
- Steve Glischinski, Wisconsin & Southern at 25, Trains, October 2005, pp. 38-45
- STB Finance Docket No. 34285, January 17, 2003
- STB Docket No. AB-303 (Sub-No. 27), December 3, 2004
- STB Finance Docket No. 34633, January 19, 2005
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