Amtrak Hiawatha west could connect Madison and Milwaukee by early 2030s

Amtrak could be serving Madison by early in the next decade. Following the successful launch of Borealis service connecting Milwaukee and the Twin Cities, Amtrak is moving ahead with more connections, including between Milwaukee and Madison. Westward extension of the Chicago-Milwaukee Hiawatha line could have twice-daily round trips in place by the early 2030s, according to an Amtrak presentation.

Federal grants could cover up to 80% of the $215 million to $275 million “Hiawatha West” project, using existing track to connect downtown Madison and Milwaukee via Pewaukee and Watertown. A separate project could add an 8th daily Chicago-Milwaukee trip sometime this year.