Railroad background

To the Editor:

Since 1988 I have shared a 450-foot-plus long lot line with the Plymouth-to-Kohler rail line. I have read with interest all the recent news articles and opinions concerning the rehabilitation of said rail line. But I have grown tired of some of the myths being circulated. I offer what I have learned over the years.

First, if one is going to own property next to a rail line, it is important to do your homework so you know what to expect.

Before I purchased this property, I made some inquiries and was told that this rail line was not being used much, but still had an “active” status. The folks at the railroad company explained that an “active” status means that the railroad can use that line any time they deem it necessary. “Active” status is the status that all rail lines that are in use have.

After I moved in, I saw only a few trains that traveled very slowly due to poor track conditions. Until State 57 was redone and the tracks were torn out there (with permission of the railroad, as reported in the Plymouth Review), Union Pacific Railroad still cleared the brush on this line every few years.

I learned further that to abandon a rail line, the railroad that owns it has to go through a predetermined process. That includes holding a public hearing on the matter. That was never done. The Plymouth-to-Kohler line maintains that active status today.

Over the years, I made a few more inquiries. Union Pacific was easy to reach and always answered my questions professionally.

So, when I read news reports about the restoration of service on this line, it didn’t come as a surprise to me.

What did come as a surprise was that others who live along this rail line had no clue as to its status. Based on conversations I had with my rail-line neighbors, it seemed to me that they were given incorrect information as to the status of this rail line. What a shame. Especially since the correct information was so easily obtained.

What is even more perplexing is that opponents to the rail-line restoration seem to think they have a right to a referendum on that issue. What is there to vote on?

The state, county, and cities of Sheboygan Falls and Plymouth have worked hard to begin the process of restoring rail service along this line. Congratulations to them. It is a big project.

All of these entities, and the Wisconsin and Southern Railroad are cooperating to provide this important infrastructure that will sustain existing jobs and create new ones. I agree with the Review’s editorial writers. How nice to see government doing what it is supposed to do.

Personally, I look forward to seeing trains pass by my property again. It will give me a great sense of satisfaction knowing that the railroad is moving materials that keep my neighbors in the county working. That’s good for all of us.

Barb Ziegelbauer

Plymouth