Passenger train upgrades heading to Wisconsin, neighboring states

By Erik Gunn – August 20, 2026

Wisconsin rail service to Chicago and the Pacific Northwest will share in a $140 million upgrade from the federal government.

The investment, awarded by the Federal Railroad Administration, will be used to overhaul 41 passenger locomotives that pull trains on the popular Hiawatha route connecting Milwaukee and Chicago and trains that pass through Wisconsin enroute to Washington state.

Sen. Tammy Baldwin (D-Wisconsin) announced the award Wednesday. The contract was a joint application involving the Wisconsin Department of Transportation and corresponding agencies in Illinois, Michigan, Missouri, Oregon and Washington, all of which will also have passenger routes that will be served by the upgraded motive power.

“Investing in this rail line is an investment in the Main Streets that will get more customers, in families’ safety, and in our state’s future,” Baldwin said.

“This grant will help keep the locomotive fleet in a state of good repair, enhancing rail line resiliency, and preventing unplanned outages,” said Wisconsin DOT Secretary Kristina Boardman.

The funding came from the 2021 Bipartisan Infrastructure Law enacted in the first year of former President Joe Biden’s term. Baldwin’s office noted that the law was enacted without the votes of any Wisconsin Republicans in Congress.