A window to the railroad world is what passengers riding the Wisconsin & Southern business train got to experience recently as they traveled along the Reedsburg Subdivision in Wisconsin. The rail excursion and industry tour demonstrated what the railroad does, how it works with Customer Lycon, Inc., and the opportunities and challenges the railroad faces.
Passengers included members of the Wisconsin River Rail Transit Commission and the Wisconsin Department of Transportation. Special guests included State Sen. Janis Ringhand (District 15) and Rep. Don Vruwink (District 43).
Guests toured the Lycon, Inc., facility in Oregon, Wisconsin, which is a family owned and operated ready-mix concrete company. The WSOR ships loads of sand from a Lycon-owned quarry near Janesville, Wisconsin, to the Lycon facility in Oregon.
Following the tour, they then boarded the train for a ride over the Merrimac Bridge and through Devils Lake State Park. The bridge is scheduled for an upgrade in 2019 and 2020 which will be paid for with state, local, and operator funds. This trip allowed the guests to see how tax dollars are put to use to benefit the state’s economy.
A discussion was held during the ride through Devils Lake State Park about safety concerns that are a result of trespassing on the railroad corridor. Looking out the big window on the theatre car allowed guests to see exactly what dangers trespassers can face and cause.
WSOR Trainmasters Justin Cox and Jason Danz worked as the engineer and conductor for the day, operating WSOR’s 35th Anniversary Engine 3928 that pulled the passenger cars.
“The WSOR is pleased to be partners with the Wisconsin River Rail Transit Commission and the Wisconsin Department of Transportation, now going on 37 years,” said Ken Lucht, Watco’s director of government relations. “Our strong partnership has preserved and enhanced nearly 300 miles of freight rail corridors throughout Southern Wisconsin while meeting the growing needs of Wisconsin business and industry.”
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