Rail Company Will Build Second Track Through La Crosse

BNSF Railway will soon add a second track in La Crosse that had been opposed by some residents and city officials.

In return, the company will not only pay for the new line, but also most of the costs associated with the project.

Throughout the year, BNSF and city officials have gone back and forth on adding a second track through a four-mile stretch of La Crosse. The rail company said it would eliminate a traffic bottleneck and improve service. Residents living near the tracks had concerns about safety and quality of life.

City Common Council President Dick Swantz said he’s somewhat satisfied with the deal, considering the chances of stopping the second line weren’t good.

“If we’re getting one anyway, let’s try to get some financial help,” said Swantz. “There were a lot of related costs that, quite frankly, the railroad’s going to cover most of it.”

BNSF will pay for specialized emergency response training for about 50 firefighters. It’s also purchasing the city a foam trailer and spill rigs in case of an accident. The company will fund renovations at an affected golf course, and will also update some crossings and relocate utilities.

More than seven acres of the marsh will be acquired by the rail company, but there’s hope the state will restore other nearby wetlands.

Given the expansion, some residents are calling on trains to lower their speed limits to 35 mph in the neighborhoods. BNSF spokeswoman Amy McBeth said the plan is to keep the speed at 45 mph.

“It’s important to note that’s the maximum speed, so that doesn’t mean every train will be operating at that maximum speed. We’re not proposing to increase the speed as a result of this project,” McBeth said.

Project construction will begin in a few weeks.