Rail Plans Go Beyond Yard

Additional Burlington Northern tracks might not be limited to the rail company’s yard on La Crosse’s northside.  The company tells us the only construction plans it has for the city is for the second main track in the yard north of Gillette street.  But we’ve learned Burlington Northern and city representatives met in May to discuss conceptual plans to extend that second track through the city to where parallel tracks begin near Central high at the State Road viaduct.  Those present at the meeting tell us no definitive plans for a second track have been set and there appears to be no firm timeline for construction.  The double tracks would impact a number of crossings and access to the Forest Hills golf course.