Canadian National (CN), the largest railroad operator in Wisconsin, has announced it will invest an additional approximately $100 million in its Wisconsin railroad infrastructure in 2020.
This brings Canadian National’s five-year capital expenditures in Wisconsin to $970 million.
The railroad’s 2020 investment will center near the Wisconsin/Minnesota border on a mainline that runs to Minneapolis. Canadian National will build a 58-acre auto compound in New Richmond.
The plan will leverage the growth in the sale of sport utility vehicle (SUV) and light truck sales. The City of New Richmond and Town of New Richmond have stated that the railroad will also use the site to route shipping containers. According to Canadian National, this site could process up to 40 railcars per day and 100,000 automobiles annually.
Work will include additional statewide maintenance: nine miles of rails and 60,000 railroad ties will be replaced, 48 road grade crossings will be rebuilt, and work will be performed on culverts, signal systems and other track infrastructure. Canadian National announced it will also perform maintenance on its Great Lakes marine vessels that serve ports in Green Bay and Superior.
Canadian National’s Derek Taylor said in a statement, “We take our essential role in the North American economy seriously and these investments in Wisconsin are a key part of our strategy to support growth. The company remains committed to help enable supply chains that fuel Wisconsin’s growth as we are a critical part of getting everyday goods to markets and consumers.”
Canadian National operates 1,428 miles of track in Wisconsin with approximately 1,400 employees.