May 7 Commission Update

WisDOT provided an update on the Twin Cities–Milwaukee–Chicago (TCMC) corridor improvement project at the Great River Rail Commission’s May 7 meeting – otherwise known as track and signal improvements. Environmental review is complete and permitting is underway, while final design work continues — the team is currently responding to comments on 90% plans, refining cost estimates, and drafting construction agreements. Right-of-way offers to property owners are also underway. Construction is not expected to begin until 2027–2028, with more detailed updates promised later this year.

On the ridership front, the Borealis train is showing strong momentum, carrying 17,213 passengers in April 2026 — a 10.8% increase over April 2025 — and improving its on-time performance to 75%, up from 70% a year ago. The Empire Builder also continues to grow, reaching 24,100 riders in March. 

Looking ahead, all four WisDOT-sponsored Corridor ID projects are expected to advance to Step 2 later this year, including plans for a second daily round-trip on the Twin Cities–Milwaukee–Chicago route and expanded Hiawatha service between Milwaukee, Chicago, and Green Bay. Also entering Step 2 is the Milwaukee-Madison-Eau Claire-Twin Cities Corridor Service.

Ridership

Trains are carrying more passengers

Both corridor trains are seeing solid ridership in early 2026.

Borealis (Saint Paul - Chicago)

January

12,482

February

13,378

March

17,513

April

17,213

UP 10.8% year-over-year

On-time performance improved to 75% in April (up from 70% in April 2025).

Empire Builder (Chicago - Seattle/Portland)

January

22.2K

February

22.9K

March

24.1K

Also, the State Rail Plan was completed by the Minnesota Department of Transportation and released on Tuesday, May 5. It addresses both freight and passenger rail for the next 20 years. The report is available for review at.www.dot.state.mn.us/planning/railplan.