Fed study: Madison critical for high-speed rail

As the Federal Railroad Administration studies the long-term plan for high-speed rail service between Chicago and the Twin Cities, Madison and Milwaukee are emerging as critical markets, according to a Wisconsin State Journal report. The FRA’s long-term plan for the Midwest — through 2055 — says the high-speed corridor could see train speeds of at least 125 mph, electric-powered engines, dedicated tracks, and 99% on-time performance. The plan concludes that a Chicago–Twin Cities corridor must go through Madison, otherwise ridership wouldn’t reach its full potential.