02/02/2025
Alex Dallman will be in Friesland at the Town Hall on Monday at 3 PM...please join me in Thanking him for helping to get our Rail Road bridges rebuilt..
Great News!!!
State Representative Alex Dallman
Columbia County Bridge Update
Over the past few years, I’ve heard from many constituents concerned about three critical bridges in Columbia County that cross Union Pacific (UP) railroad tracks. These bridges have been either closed or restricted for far too long, impacting local travel and emergency response times.
Since learning about the issue, I have been actively working with the Office of the Commissioner of Railroads (OCR) and the Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT) to find a resolution. I’m pleased to share that after years of legal battles, the Wisconsin courts have issued Final Decisions on all three bridges. WisDOT now has the authority to move forward.
🛑 Bridge Status Updates
✅ County Highway A Bridge (Closed for 5 years)
📌 Final Decision issued: https://apps.psc.wi.gov/ERF/ERFsearch/content/searchResult.aspx?UTIL=9040&CASE=RX&SEQ=1383 3/15/2022
📌 Issue: UP has refused to comply. OCR referred the case to the Wisconsin DOJ (4/12/2024).
📌 Next Steps: WisDOT can proceed with condemnation or reconstruction.
✅ Inglehart Road Bridge (Closed for 8 years)
📌 Final Decision issued: https://apps.psc.wi.gov/ERF/ERFsearch/content/searchResult.aspx?UTIL=9040&CASE=RX&SEQ=1403 9/25/2023
📌 Issue: UP challenged the ruling but lost in court (9/10/2024).
📌 Next Steps: WisDOT can now proceed with condemnation or reconstruction.
✅ Sterk Road Bridge (Open but Unsafe)
📌 Final Decision issued: https://apps.psc.wi.gov/ERF/ERFsearch/content/searchResult.aspx?UTIL=9040&CASE=RX&SEQ=1404 10/6/2023
📌 Issue: Structural deterioration; weight restrictions prevent emergency vehicles from crossing.
📌 Next Steps: WisDOT can move forward with reconstruction or condemnation.
⚖️ Legal & Administrative Findings
🔹 The Office of the Commissioner of Railroads has ruled in favor of reconstructing all three bridges.
🔹 UP has legally challenged the decisions but lost.
🔹 WisDOT is now responsible for moving forward with reconstruction—UP is not financially obligated to repair the bridges under federal law.
🚀 What Happens Next?
🔸 WisDOT has the green light to rebuild all three bridges and improve public safety.
🔸 If necessary, condemnation proceedings will be used to acquire land for construction.
🔸 The OCR’s role in this process is complete—WisDOT will take the lead from here.
I will continue monitoring the situation and advocating for swift action to ensure these bridges are rebuilt as soon as possible. Safe and reliable infrastructure is critical for our communities, and I appreciate everyone who has reached out to share their concerns.
