The High Speed Rail Initiative could bring as many as twenty trains traveling at speeds of 60 mph along these tracks at the intersection of Lien Road and N. Thompson Drive. This would dramatically affect traffic patterns and bicyclist and pedestrian safety. Read the articles below for more information on traffic and safety issues in the neighborhood. There is more information on the High Speed Rail Initiative below as well, or visit the Transport 2020 website at http://www.transport2020.net.

Transport 2020 Neighborhood Meeting Set for August 23

By Jeremy Kautza--August 15, 2001

Madison--The Ridgewood Neighborhood Association has arranged for Dave Trowbridge, the Transport 2020 Project Manager, to present to you the transportation alternatives currently being considered by the state, county, and city governments for implementation by the year 2020. The primary alternative being considered now is the use of rail systems in and around Madison. Your input will help decide the transportation modes experienced in Madison and Dane County for the future. Now is the time to participate in the decision making process by hearing about the plan and providing feedback if you want your ideas to be considered. The local neighborhood meeting is on August 23 from 7 to 9pm at the Sycamore Utility Building at 4602 Sycamore Avenue. It will give residents from three neighborhoods (Ridgewood, Burke Heights, and Sycamore-McArthur) a chance to participate in the decision making process. You will also hear additional information regarding transportation alternatives, hear more about the study process and be given the chance to comment on any aspect of the study.

The study, which is currently in its second phase, has already considered the costs and benefits of eight specific transit alternatives. The team narrowed that list down to three for a more detailed study and public input. The three alternatives are an express/regional bus system, implementing commuter rail, and the no-build alternative. You can find out more information about these three alternatives and the study in general by visiting www.transport2020.net.

Is High Speed Rail Coming to a Crossing Near You?

By Bob Schaefer, RNA Safety & Traffic Committee Co-Chair--June 10, 2001

Madison--Transportation issues have long been a topic of discussion by local and national politicians. Alternate modes of transportation are constatnly being heralded as a way to lessen our nation's dependence on foreign oil and as environmentally sound mass transit alternatives. One of the more recent developments in our area has been the High Speed Rail Initiative. As of late this project has gained tremendous momentum and the reality of this project is becoming more prevelent.

If Congress approves the 10 - 12 Billion Dollar appropriation authorizing Amtrak to proceed with the Midwest High Speed Rail Initiative, WIS DOT proposes 10 trains per day between Madison and Milwaukee/Chicago, of which 4 will continue to Minneapolis. It would be developed in two stages. By 2003, six trains per day would travel between Madison and Milwaukee/Chicago with stops in
Watertown, Oconomowoc, Brookfield, and Milwaukee (Downtown & Mitchell Field). By 2005 an additional 4 trains would continue to Minneapolis.

Originally WIS DOT projected that by 2010, 1000 passengers per day would travel between Madison and Milwaukee, using 10 train round trips at a cost of $20 - $33 per one way trip. That means 500 arriving, and 500 departing passengers per day. That's an average of 50 passengers per train. The 2020 projection was 1200 passengers per day. Recent figures have suggested these estimates should actually be double what was originally thought. A survey of our neighborhood found that 0.3 persons would use the train daily from this area.

The train being considered for this has seating for 304 passengers and operating at capacity, could carry 6,040 passengers daily. Because it would travel from Milwaukee to Madison ten times, it would go through our neighborhood twenty times (ten trips to Madison and ten trips back to Milwaukee).

The Madison city council has voted their preference for two stations, one at the Airport for the 4 trains continuing to Minneapolis, and one at Monona Terrace or the Kohl Center for the 6 trains returning directly to Milwaukee. All 10 trains would use the East Rail Corridor, that is the track crossing North Thompson and Lien Road.

The rationale for this decision was to draw more people to downtown and make it more convenient for stranded air passengers to use the train. The other factor in this decision was that use of the East Rail Corridor would open the door for future commuter rail with less cost for upgrades. There are no current plans to have the trains go over or under other traffic at any of the crossings. This means that the potential exists when commuter rail is implemented that during peak times a train will likely travel over 33 to possibly more than 50 crossings on the East side of Madison. These crossing could occur every 15 to 20 minutes.

WIS DOT presented the city with another alternative known as the Hoepker & Acker Road Alignment/USH 51 Station. This alternative would use a new alignment in the vicinity of the American Center, with crossings over or under existing roadways. The station would be located near the Interstate and HWY 51 interchange. This location would grant the easiest, least congested access to the greater share of Dane County residents, and keep the train out of the residential areas of the city of Madison.

A recent Ridgewood Neighborhood Association survey showed that the majority of residents supported the Hoepker & Acker Road Alignment/USH 51 Station location. The RNA council has decided to circulate a petition as a form of citizen input to become part of the criteria evaluated in the High Speed Rail planning process.