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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.

  • Milwaukee Subdivision (former MILW): The primary line of the Northern Division, running from the Horicon paint shops to the north side of Milwaukee. It handles diverse commodities including grain, chemicals, lumber, and ballast.
  • Cambria Subdivision (former MILW): Connects Cambria to Horicon.
  • Oshkosh Subdivision (former MILW): Extends from Oshkosh to Horicon, primarily transporting grain and chemicals.
  • Markesan Subdivision (former MILW): Runs from Markesan to Brandon, predominantly for grain transport.
  • Plymouth Subdivision (former MILW): Connects with the Canadian National Railway in Kiel to another connection in Saukville. The section through Kiel is currently out of service and used for car storage. Main commodities include transload products and chemicals.
  • Sheboygan Falls Subdivision (former CNW): Reopened in 2015, this line runs from Plymouth to Sheboygan, carrying grain, aggregates, chemicals, and lumber.
  • Mayville Spur (former MILW): Connects Mayville to Iron Ridge, handling limestone and packaged products.
  • Gibson Spur (former MILW): Operates through North Milwaukee.
  • Fox Lake Spur (former MILW): Used for car storage for approximately one mile from Fox Lake.

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.

  • Madison Subdivision (former MILW): A main line connecting Madison to Janesville, where it interfaces with the Union Pacific Railroad and the Canadian Pacific Railway (via the Iowa, Chicago and Eastern Railroad subsidiary).
  • Prairie Subdivision (former MILW): Runs from Prairie du Chien to Madison, primarily transporting grain and frac sand, alongside lumber, chemicals, plastics, and fertilizer.
  • Waukesha Subdivision (former MILW): Another main line, largely converted to welded rail. It connects with the Madison Subdivision in Milton and the Canadian National Railway in Waukesha, handling a wide array of commodities from grain to chemicals and lumber.
  • Monroe Subdivision (former MILW): Extends from Monroe to Janesville, with main commodities including grain, corn, and liquefied ethanol.
  • Fox Lake Subdivision (former MILW): A critical main line connecting Janesville with Fox Lake, Illinois. This subdivision handles a very diverse range of commodities. From Fox Lake to Rondout, the tracks are owned by Metra, over which WSOR holds trackage rights. This segment, connecting to the C&M Subdivision in Rondout, provides direct access to Chicago, enabling interchange with all North American Class I railroads.
  • Elkhorn Subdivision (former MILW): Runs from Bardwell to Elkhorn, transporting grain, lumber, cold storage products, and aggregates.
  • Reedsburg Subdivision (former CNW): Connects Reedsburg to Brooklyn, carrying commodities such as ballast, lumber, scrap, plastics, sand, grain, and chemicals. Sections of this line were originally part of the Beloit & Madison Railroad and the Baraboo Air Line Railroad.
  • Cottage Grove Subdivision (former CNW): Runs from Madison to Cottage Grove, serving an ethanol processing plant.
  • Watertown Subdivision (former MILW): Connects Madison to Watertown, where it interchanges with the Canadian Pacific Railway and Rail & Transload. Main commodities include grain, plastics, scrap, ballast, chemicals, and lumber. CP holds trackage rights from Watertown to a quarry east of Waterloo for ballast loading and unloading.
  • Sauk Spur (former MILW): Runs from Sauk City to a connection with the Prairie Subdivision in Mazomanie. Only a portion is used for car storage, with the remainder to Sauk City being heavily out of service.

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

  1.  Steve Glischinski, Wisconsin & Southern at 25, Trains, October 2005, pp. 38-45
  2.  STB Finance Docket No. 34285, January 17, 2003
  3.  STB Docket No. AB-303 (Sub-No. 27), December 3, 2004
  4.  STB Finance Docket No. 34633, January 19, 2005
A full list of references for this article are available at the Wisconsin and Southern Railroad Wikipedia page

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