Senator Baldwin Brings Home $34 Million to Repair and Upgrade Green Bay Rail Bridge, Improve Safety and Reliability

WISCONSIN - Today, U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin (D-WI) announced she helped secure $34 million in federal funding for the Fox Valley and Lake Superior Rail System (FOXY) to repair and upgrade the Luxemburg Swing Bridge over the Fox River in Green Bay, improving safety and reliability for freight rail and maritime traffic. The funding comes through the Baldwin-backed Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and annual government funding bills and will help upgrade the aging bridge, reduce service disruptions, and strengthen a critical transportation link for Wisconsin businesses.

"Wisconsin businesses rely on our railways and waterways to get their Made in Wisconsin products to customers across the country," said Senator Baldwin. "But when aging infrastructure causes delays and disruptions, it hurts our businesses, costs them time and money, and makes it harder for them to compete. That's why I'm proud to bring home this investment to repair and modernize this critical bridge, keep folks safe, and make sure Wisconsin businesses have the reliable infrastructure they need to grow and succeed."

"The Fox Valley & Lake Superior Rail System (FOXY) is thrilled to accept this federal award and thanks Senator Baldwin for her strong support," said Ken Lucht, Assistant Vice-President of Government Affairs for Watco. "A resilient and modernized freight rail network has a direct positive impact on our economy and public safety throughout Brown County."

Built in 1923, the Luxemburg Swing Bridge plays a critical role in connecting businesses in Green Bay and Brown County to freight rail service, including Wisconsin's transportation and paper industries. The bridge currently carries over 25,000 carloads of freight annually; however, after more than a century of service, the bridge is in need of critical repairs to ensure it can continue serving Wisconsin businesses.

The $34 million investment from the Federal Railroad Administration's Consolidated Rail Infrastructure and Safety Improvements (CRISI) grant program will support the rehabilitation and modernization of the Luxemburg Swing Bridge, including upgrades to its mechanical, electrical, and structural components to improve safety and reliability. The improvements will help eliminate frequent service interruptions to freight rail and maritime commerce and allow the bridge to accommodate railcars weighing up to 286,000 pounds.

In June, Senator Baldwin advocated to the Trump Administration for the project's funding, citing the widespread consequences for Wisconsin businesses if the bridge were to fail.

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