On Tuesday Nov 23rd a new railroad began operations in west central Wisconsin. The Wisconsin Northern took over operations of 48 miles of former UP and CN trackage. Power for the start up was leased LLPX 2034 in conrail blue, with two Iowa northern GP38's arriving on the 24th. The railroad will interchange with the UP at norma Junction, on the north side of Chippewa Falls. The line runs north along hwy 53 to Rice Lake WI. Traffic is expected to be 3100 carloads per year. Joe
Joe- Is this a mix of old Soo and C&NW track? How many shippers will be contributing to the 3100 annual loads? Are they fairly stable businesses at present? (Short and long term outlook?) Is there any potential for growing the revenue base? I wish them well! Hope they'll make some money! Boxcab E50
Thanks for the welcome guys!!! As far as the traffic base for the WN. Yes it is fairly well balanced, with turkey feed, fertilyzer, lumber, and plastic pellets making up the majority of the traffic. There are several other customers that add cars but those 4 are the main sources for now. The company had plans to double that traffic number in 3 to 5 years, but now they are working on a new traffic source that will double traffic within a month. If successful this new traffic will result in a once a week unit train. Yes this is a mix of former cnw and soo trackage. The north south main stem is cnw heritage and the stub to Barron was former Soo. Gary, yes I'm still visiting hoffman. Interesting place even after 20 years! Joe
