Wisconsin 2027 State Freight Plan

Welcome to the WisDOT online meeting.
Hello! Welcome to our virtual engagement.

We invite you to learn more about and provide your feedback on Wisconsin’s Draft 2027 State Freight Plan. We're updating Wisconsin's 2023 State Freight Plan, which is a long-range multimodal plan that addresses the state's freight transportation needs and provides a vision for WisDOT’s freight program for the next eight years! It is important that we update this plan regularly to incorporate new data and trends related to our state’s current and future freight needs. Use the arrows on the left and right sides of the screen or the tabs at the top of the page to click through content.

Please spend a few minutes clicking through the slides to read more about WisDOT’s family of plans, learn about the State Freight Plan update and Wisconsin’s freight system, and review the draft plan. Use the comment tool in the top right corner of the page to provide thoughts and comments as you read. Please be sure to identify the section you’re referencing your comment to in the drop down. This helps us identify your comments’ direction easier.

In addition, on the last slide there is an interactive comment map that offers an opportunity to comment on an issue at a specific location.

Read the entire draft State Freight Plan

Planning NOW for the future of transportation in Wisconsin

Let’s start off with some background information on Wisconsin’s family of transportation plans. Connect 2050, which is WisDOT’s statewide, long-range multimodal transportation plan, provides what should be accomplished and the State Freight Plan will identify the how!

WisDOT Plans

WisDOT envisions an integrated multimodal transportation system that maximizes the safe and efficient movement of people and products throughout the state in a way that enhances economic productivity, transportation accessibility, and the quality of Wisconsin's communities while minimizing impacts to the natural environment and socioeconomic, historic, and cultural resources.


Connect 2050

Connect 2050 is a vision plan, setting an overall direction for our transportation system and establishing goals and objectives based on transportation-related issues and trends, and comments from people like you. Unlike a transportation project that is happening now or in the near future, Connect 2050 affects decisions about plans and projects that will be completed and funded years from now.


Wisconsin's Transportation System

WisDOT plans, builds, maintains, and/or financially supports all of these types of transportation, which make up our statewide network. The Connect 2050 plan's goals and objectives apply to all the modes listed below.

  • Airports
  • Ports, Harbors, and Ferries
  • Truck Freight
  • Personal Automobiles
  • Bicycles and Pedestrians
  • Passenger Rail
  • Freight Rail
  • Transit
  • Intercity Passenger Bus

Learn more about Connect 2050

Draft State Freight Plan Outline

The information here outlines what’s included in the draft plan. Click each drop down on this page to learn about what’s included in the State Freight Plan. If you would prefer to not read more about each chapter and just provide your feedback, skip ahead to the last slide.

  • Economic Context
  • System Inventory and Performance
  • Freight Trends and Challenges

  • Plan Purpose
  • National Freight Policy
  • Relationship to Wisconsin’s Family of Plans
  • Stakeholder Engagement

  • Vision
  • Goals
  • Freight Policies

  • Mode Comparison
  • Connection to the Global Economy
  • Connection to North American Economy
  • Freight-Related Industries and Supply Chains
  • Freight Movement

  • Freight Networks
  • Performance Measures
  • Modal Snapshots
  • Freight-Generating Sites

  • Global Trade and Supply Chains
  • Changing Market Dynamics
  • Demographic and Workforce Changes
  • Innovative Technologies
  • Considerations for Specific Modes

  • Highway Overview
  • Railroads Overview
  • Ports and Waterways
  • Aviation Overview
  • Pipelines Overview

  • Freight Project Funding
  • Prioritization of Freight Strategies and Projects
  • Freight Plan Implementation Steps

  • Freight Investments
  • Summary of Freight Plan Outreach
  • Socioeconomic Analysis

Chapter 1: Executive Summary

The Wisconsin State Freight Plan serves as a comprehensive blueprint for enhancing the state’s multimodal freight transportation system. This plan addresses the critical role freight movement plays in Wisconsin’s economic vitality and quality of life, guiding strategic investments across highways, railroads, waterways, airports, and pipelines.

Goals

  • Enhance safety, security, and resiliency across all freight modes
  • Ensure system preservation and enhancement of critical infrastructure
  • Enhance system mobility, operations, reliability, efficiency, and connectivity throughout Wisconsin

Economic Context

In 2023, Wisconsin moved over 702 million tons of freight valued at more than $836 billion. Trucking dominates freight movement, accounting for approximately 70% of tonnage and 74% of value.

System Inventory and Performance

Highway System

Wisconsin maintains 116,000 roadway miles, including 11,700 state, federal, and interstate highway miles.

Rail Network

Wisconsin’s rail system includes 3,229 miles of track operated by Class I, regional, and short line railroads.

Ports and Waterways

Wisconsin’s 29 commercial ports and 230 miles of navigable waterways connect to the Great Lakes-St. Lawrence Seaway and Mississippi River systems.

Aviation

Wisconsin’s air cargo system includes multiple airports handling freight, with Milwaukee’s new air cargo facility positioned to drive growth.

Pipelines

Over 80,000 miles of pipeline transport natural gas, petroleum products, and other chemicals, valued at $8.7 billion in 2025.

Percent of Total WI Employment (Q1-Q3 2025)

Infographic showing percent of total Wisconsin employment by sector for Q1-Q3 2025, with Manufacturing at 15.6%, Wholesale and Retail Trade at 14.4%, Transportation/Information/Utilities at 4.4%, Construction at 3.5%, Agriculture/Forestry/Fishing/Hunting/Mining at 1.1%, and Other at 61%.

Percent of Total WI GDP 2025

Infographic showing percent of total Wisconsin GDP in 2025 by industry. Manufacturing represents 15.6%, Wholesale and Retail Trade 13.1%, Transportation/Information/Utilities at 8.5%, Construction at 4.6%, Agriculture/Forestry/Fishing/Hunting/Mining at 1.5%, and Other sectors at 56.7%.

Freight Trends and Challenges

  • E-Commerce Growth
  • Workforce Challenges
  • Technology Integration
  • Supply Chain Resilience

Implementation and Monitoring

Implementation responsibilities span WisDOT divisions, local governments, Tribal Nations, and private sector partners. The plan will be updated on a four-year cycle in accordance with federal requirements.

Chapter 2: Introduction

Wisconsin’s freight transportation system supports the movement of the goods that people and businesses rely on every day, making it a key part of the state’s economy and quality of life. The Wisconsin State Freight Plan helps identify transportation needs and investment priorities so the state can maintain a safe, efficient, and connected network that supports economic growth and the movement of freight now and in the future.

National Freight Policy

Federal requirements for transportation infrastructure planning and investments are prescribed through the most recent federal transportation authorization bill, the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA), as well as several final rulemakings issued by the U.S. Department of Transportation.

IIJA Guidance

Under the IIJA, a strong emphasis is placed on the incorporation of freight into transportation planning processes. It also identifies additional requirements for state freight plans. These plans must be updated every four years and meet the 17 requirements outlined in the IIJA.

U.S. DOT Guidance

The National Freight Strategic Plan, released in May 2026, defines the U.S. DOT’s vision and goals for the Nation’s multimodal freight system and defines strategies to achieve those goals.

  • A Safe Freight System: Reduce or eliminate serious injuries and fatalities of the freight system.
  • An Efficient Freight System: Improve system reliability and streamline government regulation.
  • A Secure Freight System: Ensure the integrity of our Nation’s supply chains in support of national defense and economic prosperity.
  • A Resilient Freight System: Reduce risks to the freight system and improve our response approaches.
  • An Innovative Freight System: Modernize freight infrastructure and foster game changing technologies.
  • A Capable Freight Workforce: Build a skilled workforce for the 21st Century and improve quality of life.

Public Stakeholder

This is You!

There are several ways for the public to provide feedback, including this online open house, a robust plan website, and multiple public outreach opportunities.

Public involvement is an important part of the Wisconsin State Freight Plan, helping ensure that the plan reflects the needs, concerns, and perspectives of transportation system users across the state. Throughout the planning process, including this public comment period, WisDOT has provided opportunities for freight stakeholders and the public to learn about the plan, review information, and share feedback. These engagement opportunities are designed to encourage participation, gather diverse viewpoints, and help inform future freight transportation decisions.

Routine Stakeholders

  • Federal Organizations
  • Regional and Local Partners
  • Wisconsin State Government Organizations
  • Local Government Partners
  • Private Sector Partners
  • Multi-State Freight Compacts
  • Freight Advisory Committee

    • Did you know?

    There are 1,922 communities that are units of general-purpose local government in Wisconsin.

Chapter 3: Vision, Goals, and Policies

The Wisconsin State Freight Plan links freight transportation needs to departments activities, informs future investment decisions, and will advance the safe and efficient movement of freight throughout Wisconsin.

Vision

WisDOT envisions a multimodal freight transportation system that enhances economic productivity, competitiveness, and quality of life through the movement of goods safely, reliably, and efficiently, while minimizing impacts to the natural environment.

Goals

The Wisconsin State Freight Plan goals were stated in the Executive Summary. In support of these goals, WisDOT developed the following strategic approaches to guide policy development:

  • Position WisDOT to facilitate the safe and efficient movement of freight through data-driven policies and practices that improve safety and operational efficiency
  • Ensure channels exist to receive and address stakeholder concerns, challenges, and emerging trends to help instruct prudent planning and programming for freight
  • Integrate freight data and stakeholder input into WisDOT’s planning, policies, programming, and operational decisions
  • Ensure reliable statewide access to regional and national markets is maintained and improved through support of multimodal connections to freight facilities and services

  1. Promote a safe multi-modal freight network within WisDOT to understand freight needs across Wisconsin and to integrate freight transportation policies into department planning and investment decision-making processes
  2. Partner with law enforcement, other agencies and local officials to coordinate emergency response
  3. Coordinate with stakeholders on planning and operations for energy emergencies
  4. Partner with the Department of Administration, Department of Natural Resources, environmental agencies, consumers, and businesses to increase transportation energy use efficiencies, and stability
  5. Continue to support Metropolitan Planning Organizations, Regional Planning Commissions, and local partners in the planning and implementation of their freight policies
  6. Leverage the freight data, tools, and methods developed through the freight plan to help implement SFP policies and strategies and inform project prioritization and investment decisions
  7. Promote the awareness of transportation-related workforce training opportunities and, where appropriate, provide support to those training centers
  8. Investigate techniques and technologies to alert drivers of upcoming low clearance bridges

  1. Plan and prepare for WisDOT’s prompt and consistent response to incidents
  2. Implement work zone and lane-closure management strategies and tools to maintain safety for workers and roadway users, while minimizing impacts
  3. Support communications along state highway corridors of freight significance to ensure drivers can remain informed of changing conditions
  4. Support greater use of technologies to improve the safety and efficiency of operations along corridors with high freight movement frequencies
  5. Support an increase in the availability of truck parking and related infrastructure at state-owned facilities and raise the awareness of its availability
  6. Identify freight-specific safety concerns and develop strategies for solutions in coordination with the Strategic Highway Safety Plan
  7. Work with local entities to identify and address key safety issues on the local system
  8. Continue to improve safety standards for infrastructure
  9. Continue to improve design standards for infrastructure
  10. Implement cost-effective maintenance activities on Wisconsin’s state trunk highway infrastructure
  11. Preserve Wisconsin’s state trunk highway system infrastructure
  12. Continue to revise the Facilities Development Manual (FDM) to more clearly include freight considerations in its project development guidance
  13. Preserve a sub-system of Wisconsin’s State Highways that accommodate over-height (up to 20 feet), over-weight, and oversize loads
  14. Investigate ways to simplify, streamline, and provide more state highway permitting options
  15. Conduct corridor studies as approved by the Transportation Projects Commission
  16. Accommodate freight volumes, reduce congestion, ensure efficient system access for businesses, and improve reliability and safety statewide via infrastructure investments
  17. Optimize traffic movement on the state trunk highway system by utilizing tools to improve existing capacity and, where necessary, adding capacity
  18. Manage access on Wisconsin’s state trunk highway system
  19. Improve the reliability and efficiency of state trunk highway operations
  20. Monitor state trunk highway conditions in support of a formal, ongoing preventive maintenance process
  21. Implement proven maintenance management practices
  22. Continually monitor the state trunk highway network and respond to operational needs
  23. Implement a practice of resiliency in planning, design, operations, and maintenance
  24. Continue to use a performance-based approach to refine and expand a state-of-the-art process to identify and prioritize preservation needs of the state trunk highway system
  25. Improve the department’s existing maintenance management tools
  26. Use technology to improve motor carrier efficiency
  27. Enhance approaches to improve motor carrier enforcement
  28. Continue to work with other states and local communities to identify oversize-overweight harmonization opportunities
  29. Partner with local governments to manage, invest in, and preserve the local road and bridge network

  1. Address rail crossing safety for vehicles, pedestrians, and bicyclists
  2. Work with stakeholders to advance rail security and improve incident and disaster response capabilities
  3. Invest in Wisconsin’s rail network with an intention of preserving rail corridors, including rights-of-way, for transportation use through public ownership where appropriate, and develop criteria to determine when divestiture is appropriate
  4. Continue to monitor Chicago’s effect on Wisconsin’s freight service
  5. Continue state assistance programs for rail improvements
  6. Investigate new policies and new financing strategies for projects that improve freight service
  7. Evaluate the Rail Transit Commissions to support local involvement and improve organizational efficiency
  8. Work with stakeholders to ensure that appropriate rail service will be provided to shippers statewide
  9. WisDOT will lead coordination efforts between state agencies (including DATCP and WEDC) to ensure a common message about state government’s role in intermodal shipping

  1. Identify and address first- and last-mile roadway and rail issues at ports that affect freight movement
  2. Explore options to expand container shipping in the Great Lakes and Inland Waterway Systems
  3. Safeguard the state’s maritime commerce and coastal environments by considering environmental, structural, and operational resilience in state-supported port infrastructure, planning initiatives, and grant programs
  4. Continue state assistance programs for harbor and waterway improvements which are all critical to Wisconsin’s transportation system
  5. Advocate for federal funding for navigation and environmental improvements for the Upper Mississippi River-Illinois River Waterway and improvements to the Great Lakes-St. Lawrence Seaway System
  6. Encourage local governments to conduct comprehensive harbor and waterfront land use planning
  7. Continue coordinating with partners to explore the development of a comprehensive Wisconsin Maritime Transportation Strategy that supports thriving coastal communities and maritime commerce within a safe, efficient, and seamless freight transportation system

  1. Preserve Wisconsin’s airport system infrastructure to aid economic growth
  2. Address airport system needs through the Airport Improvement Program, coordination with owners and operators, and Wisconsin Airport System Plan update efforts
  3. Explore the viability of Advanced Air Mobility cargo operations in Wisconsin
  4. Support preservation of continued air cargo service at airports with existing operations

  1. Enable modal connections, diversity, and support system resiliency for pipelines
  2. Apply the Utility Accommodation Policy to all types of pipelines In Wisconsin
  3. Monitor trends in crude oil movements and their impact on other transportation users

  1. Track performance measures to support investment prioritization and policy decisions for the state freight system
  2. Provide transportation-related grant and loan assistance to boost the economic development and vitality of Wisconsin communities and businesses
  3. Continue convening WisDOT’s Freight Advisory Committee as an essential means of seeking stakeholder involvement and facilitating dialogue between public and private interests
  4. Coordinate with Public and Private Sector Freight Stakeholders
  5. Serve as a freight resource to local governments and other stakeholders
  6. Where appropriate, engage in multi-state efforts such as the Mid-America Freight Coalition and Mid America Association of State Transportation Officials

  1. Support and fulfill the cooperative agreement between the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) and WisDOT, and other current and future interagency agreements
  2. Monitor national best practices and other initiatives related to reducing freight’s impact on the environment
  3. Incorporate consideration of all demographic groups in all planning, programming, and project decisions and activities
  4. Comply with federal and state environmental laws, regulations, and executive orders relevant to transportation and support future standards and programs
  5. Monitor state and national efforts and be prepared to address potential future greenhouse gas regulations, pursuant to changes in regulation
  6. WisDOT will balance transportation needs with the department’s environmental responsibilities by avoiding or mitigating impacts to the natural and human environment to support and enhance state and national environmental stewardship goals
  7. Support statewide efforts to prevent the spread of invasive species via freight transportation by referencing and promoting established Wisconsin best management practices (BMPs) and regulatory resources developed by partner agencies

Chapter 5: System Inventory and Performance Indicators

The United States transportation system is a vast, complex network of over seven million miles of highways, local roads, railways, navigable waterways, and pipelines. The system connects Wisconsin’s key gateways and corridors to the nation and plays an important role in linking Wisconsin to the global economy.

Freight Networks

Recognizing the importance of multimodal connections, the Fixing America’s Surface Transportation (FAST) Act directed the U.S. DOT to establish the National Multimodal Freight Network (NMFN).

In addition to the NMFN, the FAST Act directed the FHWA Administrator to establish a National Highway Freight Network (NHFN) to aid in strategically directing federal resources and policies toward improved performance of highway portions of the United States freight transportation system.

The NHFN includes the following subsystems of roadways:

  • Primary Highway Freight System (PHFS)
  • Critical Rural Freight Corridors (CRFCs)
  • Critical Urban Freight Corridors (CUFCs)
  • Other interstate portions not designated as part of the PHFS

Two networks relevant to strategic freight movements for military defense are included in the definition of the NMFN.

  • STRAHNET (Strategic Highway Network): This network consists of roadways critical to the Department of Defense’s (DOD) domestic operations. In Wisconsin, this consists of I-94, I-39, I-43, I-41, I-90, and portions of WI 21.
  • STRACNET (Strategic Rail Corridor Network): These corridors have been determined critical to DOD domestic operations. In Wisconsin, STRACNET consists of the CPKC Railway line between Kenosha and La Crosse.

Two army bases (Fort McCoy, Camp Douglas) in Wisconsin provide facilities and support for the training and readiness of military personnel for all branches of the U.S. Armed Forces. Additionally, Army National Guard units in Wisconsin include the following locations:

  • 32nd “Red Arrow” Infantry Brigade Combat Team, Camp Douglas
  • 64th Troop Command, Madison
  • 157th Maneuver Enhancement Brigade, Milwaukee
  • 426th Regiment (Regional Training Institute), Fort McCoy

Performance Measures

Management of the transportation system requires comprehensive data, appropriate measures, and a consistent method for assessment. A key component of this assessment is the development and application of performance measures.

WisDOT’s performance improvement program is known as MAPSS, which stands for Mobility, Accountability, Preservation, Safety, and Service—and includes measures that meet IIJA requirements. The department’s freight-related MAPSS performance measures are focused, measurable, and drive performance improvement.

Did you know?

WisDOT is the steward of the transportation system and manages the state’s transportation funding to deliver a safe and efficient transportation system.

WisDOT MAPSS freight-related performance improvement program measures include the following:

Mobility

  • Delay, Reliability, Incident Response, Winter Response

Accountability

  • TEA Grants, On-time Performance

Preservation

  • State Highway Pavement Condition, State Bridge Condition, State-owned and State-supported Rail Line Conditions, Airport Pavement Condition, Local Bridge Condition

Safety

  • Traffic Fatalities, Serious Traffic Injuries, Traffic Crashes, Safety Belt Use

Modal Snapshots

Highway System

While the overall transportation network remains safe, reliable, and well maintained, increasing congestion in metropolitan areas and rising vehicle hours of delay highlight emerging challenges. Continued investment in infrastructure preservation, capacity improvements, congestion management, and effective asset management will be critical to maintaining system performance, supporting freight movement, and ensuring long-term mobility and economic growth across Wisconsin.

Wisconsin Roadways Highlights infographic showing Wisconsin transportation statistics: 116,000 roadway miles, 11,700 state, federal, and interstate highway miles, 5,955 National Highway System miles, and more than 14,000 bridge structures. The graphic also lists top commodities transported, including farm products, sand, rock, gravel, food products, petroleum and coal products, clay, concrete, glass, and stone, alongside a Wisconsin state silhouette and roadway icon.

Railroad

WisDOT works in partnership with the railroad operators on the active rail lines owned by WisDOT to review conditions, discuss capital improvement needs, and schedule projects. WisDOT’s primary focus is on monitoring system performance on state-owned and state-supported rail lines.

Wisconsin Freight Rail Highlights infographic showing key freight rail statistics in Wisconsin: 3,229 miles of railroad, 742 miles of rail lines in Rails-to-Trails status, and 12 organizations holding common carrier rail freight certificates. The graphic notes two truck-rail intermodal connection sites, nine ports with freight rail access, and rail service in 59 of Wisconsin’s 72 counties. Primary commodities transported by rail include coal, crude and petroleum oil, natural gas, chemicals and allied products, nonmetallic minerals, and farm products. A Wisconsin state silhouette and rail car icon accompany the statistics.

Ports and Waterways

Wisconsin’s port facilities serve as multimodal distribution centers linking waterborne vessels (ships and barges) with an extensive network of highways, railroads, and airports. As centers of economic activity, Wisconsin’s ports and harbors include the operations of local and municipal government agencies; federal agencies such as the Coast Guard and United States Army Corps of Engineers (USACE); and private companies that contract with these agencies.

Wisconsin Freight Rail Highlights infographic showing key freight rail statistics in Wisconsin: 3,229 miles of railroad, 742 miles of rail lines in Rails-to-Trails status, and 12 organizations holding common carrier rail freight certificates. The graphic notes two truck-rail intermodal connection sites, nine ports with freight rail access, and rail service in 59 of Wisconsin’s 72 counties. Primary commodities transported by rail include coal, crude and petroleum oil, natural gas, chemicals and allied products, nonmetallic minerals, and farm products. A Wisconsin state silhouette and rail car icon accompany the statistics.

Aviation

WisDOT’s MAPSS measures include a measurement of the percent of airport pavements rated at a fair or above condition. In 2025 Wisconsin fell just short of its goal of 90 percent of primary runways meeting that condition, with 87 percent being rated at fair or above.

Wisconsin Airport Highlights infographic presenting key aviation statistics in Wisconsin. The graphic notes 123 public use airports, including 98 publicly owned airports, and 12 airports that provide air cargo services. It states that more than 82,000 tons of air freight cargo were shipped by plane in 2023, with a total combined value exceeding $3.3 billion. The infographic explains that air cargo is often high-value, low-weight or low-bulk, time-sensitive, or highly specialized, and identifies the most common commodities as small packages, electronics, and instruments. A Wisconsin state silhouette and airplane icon accompany the statistics.

Pipeline

Wisconsin is not a producer of natural gas or crude oil, but the state relies on natural gas and refined petroleum products to fuel economic activity. The pipeline system is privately-owned and used primarily for transmission and distribution of petroleum products and natural gas. The pipelines are also important to interstate commerce, carrying crude oil through the state to refineries elsewhere. Pipelines dedicated to the movement of natural gas make up 97 percent of all pipeline miles in Wisconsin.

Wisconsin Airport Highlights infographic presenting key aviation statistics in Wisconsin. The graphic notes 123 public use airports, including 98 publicly owned airports, and 12 airports that provide air cargo services. It states that more than 82,000 tons of air freight cargo were shipped by plane in 2023, with a total combined value exceeding $3.3 billion. The infographic explains that air cargo is often high-value, low-weight or low-bulk, time-sensitive, or highly specialized, and identifies the most common commodities as small packages, electronics, and instruments. A Wisconsin state silhouette and airplane icon accompany the statistics.

Freight-Generating Sites

Freight facilities across Wisconsin support the movement of goods, connecting suppliers, manufacturers, warehouses, distribution centers, airports, and ports to regional, national, and global markets. Manufacturing, logistics, and distribution are key drivers of freight demand, relying on efficient transportation networks to move raw materials, finished products, and consumer goods. A multimodal transportation system is essential to supply chain success, with trucks, rail, waterways, airports, and ports each playing important roles in moving goods efficiently and connecting Wisconsin businesses to broader markets.

Wisconsin Intermodal and Transload Facility Highlights infographic showing key freight transfer infrastructure in Wisconsin. The graphic notes two intermodal container facilities located in Arcadia and Chippewa Falls, and more than 400 transload facilities statewide. A Wisconsin state silhouette and shipping container icon accompany the statistics.

Chapter 7: Network and System Needs

Wisconsin is committed to developing a transportation system that is prepared for the future. To do this WisDOT must assess the needs of freight movement based on the current and future demands by:

  • Identifying the strengths and challenges of the existing system.
  • Focusing on the goals and objectives of the freight system.
  • Addressing future freight transportation demands for highways, rail lines, ports, airports, and pipelines.
  • Identifying and analyzing future trends and technological advancements outside of the traditional forecasting methods which could impact the future of freight in Wisconsin.

Highway Overview

Wisconsin’s highway system is the foundation of the state’s freight network, carrying the majority of goods moved within, to, from, and through the state. WisDOT focuses on preserving roadway and bridge infrastructure, improving safety, reducing congestion, expanding freight mobility, and building resilience to weather and other disruptions. Ongoing investments help support both economic competitiveness and reliable freight movement statewide.

  • Highways carry the largest share of freight, moving approximately 489 million tons of goods valued at $620 billion in 2023, representing about 70% of freight tonnage and 74% of freight value.
  • Safety and mobility remain key priorities, with efforts focused on truck parking, truck safety, bottleneck reduction, incident management, and improved operations through Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) and 511 Wisconsin.
  • System resilience and connectivity are increasingly important, with programs such as the Wisconsin Resilience Improvement Plan helping address risks from flooding, severe weather, and other disruptions that affect freight movement.

Railroads Overview

Railroads are a critical component of Wisconsin’s freight system, particularly for moving bulk commodities and supporting long-distance freight movements. WisDOT supports rail service through infrastructure investments, corridor preservation efforts, safety programs, and grant and loan programs that help businesses and communities maintain access to rail transportation. WisDOT continues to work toward improving rail accessibility, safety, efficiency, and resilience.

  • Since 1980, Wisconsin has awarded more than $326 million in rail preservation grants and over $155 million in rail infrastructure improvement loans to support freight rail service and modernization.
  • Wisconsin has more than 6,600 highway-rail crossings, and rail safety efforts continue to focus on reducing crossing incidents and discouraging trespassing, which remains a leading cause of rail-related fatalities nationwide.
  • Freight rail volumes are expected to grow significantly, with national forecasts projecting 58% growth in rail ton-miles by 2050, increasing the need to address bottlenecks, weight restrictions, and access for smaller shippers.

Ports and Waterways Overview

Wisconsin’s ports and waterways connect the state to domestic and global markets through the Great Lakes-St. Lawrence Seaway System and the Mississippi River network. Maritime transportation supports industries, manufacturers, and agricultural producers while providing an efficient alternative to highway and rail freight. WisDOT invests in port infrastructure, navigation access, and intermodal connectivity to maintain reliable freight movement.

  • Wisconsin’s 29 commercial ports and harbors have benefited from nearly $240 million in Harbor Assistance Program funding across 166 projects since 1980.
  • Great Lakes and Mississippi River ports provide critical multimodal connections that support bulk commodities, agricultural exports, project cargo, and other freight movements throughout North America and beyond.
  • Key priorities include maintaining locks, dams, navigation channels, docks, and intermodal connections while improving resiliency to changing water levels, severe weather, and supply chain disruptions.

Aviation Overview

Air cargo plays an important role in transporting high-value, low-weight, and time-sensitive goods that often have limited alternatives. WisDOT supports airport infrastructure, aviation planning, and emerging technologies that could expand freight and logistics opportunities in the future. Investments in airport facilities and air cargo capacity help maintain connections to national and international markets.

  • Demand and pressure around time-sensitive shipments is high, which can be an operational barrier for communities with limited air cargo access. Emerging technologies could expand air cargo use outside urban cores.
  • Milwaukee’s new air cargo facility is projected to handle 35-60 million pounds of exports and 30-45 million pounds of imports annually by 2029, growing substantially by 2032.
  • Emerging technologies such as Advanced Air Mobility (AAM), cargo drones, and electric aircraft may create new opportunities for freight delivery and improved connectivity between urban and rural areas.

Pipelines Overview

Pipelines provide an efficient means of transporting large volumes of energy products and chemicals that are essential to Wisconsin’s economy. While pipeline infrastructure is owned and operated by private companies and regulated primarily by federal and state agencies, pipelines remain an important component of Wisconsin's multimodal freight system. WisDOT’s role focuses on coordination, transportation resilience, and supporting alternative freight movements when disruptions occur.

  • Wisconsin’s pipeline network includes more than 80,000 miles of pipeline, transporting nearly 44 million tons of products valued at $8.7 billion in 2025.
  • Pipeline safety performance has remained strong, with no major incidents involving fatalities or serious injuries reported between 2021 and 2025.
  • In the event of disruptions, WisDOT supports system resilience by coordinating alternative transportation options and ensuring critical energy supplies can continue moving through truck, rail, and water networks.

Chapter 8: Freight Investment Implementation Plan

To help Wisconsin develop a transportation system prepared for the future, it is important to assess needs for freight movement based on current and future freight demands across all transportation modes.

Budget Process

Wisconsin DOT’s annual budget is set biennially. The 2025-2027 Biennial Budget was authorized by Wisconsin Act 15 in 2025. Funding beyond the current biennial budget is held constant (adjusted for inflation) to account for future project expenditures through the Statewide Transportation Improvement Program (STIP), except where legislative action impacts revenue or programming.

Freight Project Funding

Pie chart illustrating Wisconsin’s transportation funding sources by percentage, breaking down revenue streams including state funds at 61%, federal funds at 26%, bond funds at 6%, general purpose revenue at 4%, and 3% from other sources.

Prioritization of Freight Strategies and Projects

  • Prioritize freight-related projects to maintain reliability, safety, mobility, and capacity.
  • Prioritize freight-related projects that will provide a high return-on-investment.
  • Support opportunities on a local level for freight mobility improvements including mode choice, truck bypasses, routes used for delivery, etc.
  • Support potential new intermodal connections. Support planning level intermodal studies.
  • Assess and potentially evaluate gaps (first and last miles) between manufacturing and shipping facilities and near multimodal centers.

Freight Plan Implementation Steps

Freight plan implementation will be focused on several key areas:

  • Supporting WisDOT’s overarching freight priorities for the transportation system through 2050
  • Implementing mode-specific freight policies and strategies
  • Using performance measures to track progress and identify issues
  • Using data and tools to deliver plan policies and strategies
  • Identifying and prioritizing Wisconsin-specific freight projects
  • Coordinating with public and private sector freight stakeholders
  • Serving as a resource for freight information

WisDOT anticipates updating the State Freight Plan on a four-year cycle, in accordance with federal requirements, including an update to the fiscally-constrained Freight Investment Implementation Plan section.

Developing this State Freight Plan required WisDOT to gather new data, update analytical tools, and engage freight stakeholders to help guide the state's future role in planning, investing in, and supporting Wisconsin’s freight transportation system. As this work continues, WisDOT remains committed to educating stakeholders and the public through ongoing analysis and resources, including recent reports such as the Intermodal Freight in Wisconsin - 2025 Update and the Wisconsin Statewide Truck Parking Study.

Where Do We Plan To Spend The Funding?

This map outlines the projects WisDOT plans to utilize National Highway Freight Program funds on (as of fall 2026). It is possible that this list may change.

A high-level map of project locations across Wisconsin

Backbone

Federal Fiscal Year 2027

  • 1
    I-29 Portage - Coloma - Fawn Court to Waushara Co Line, SB - Const/Resurface

Federal Fiscal Year 2028

  • 2
    Valley Bridge (IH43/IH94) - Walker St to Menomonee River - Constr/BRRHB
  • 3
    IH 41 Zoo Freeway - Howard Ave to UPRR - Const/Bridge Replacement
  • 4
    IH 94 East West Freeway - STH 16 to Waukesha E Co Ln - Const/Resurface, Bridge Maintenance

Federal Fiscal Year 2029

  • 5
    IH 43, City of Green Bay - Leo Frigo Bridge, B-05-0158 - Const Ops/BRRHB
  • 6
    Hudson - Menomonie - CTH T to CTH BB (EB & WB) - Construction/Resurface

Federal Fiscal Year 2030

  • 7
    EW Freeway - Marquette I/C - Constr/RSRF20
  • 8
    Hudson - Baldwin - U.S. 12 to STH 65 (EB & WB) - Construction/Resurface

Federal Fiscal Year 2031

  • 9
    IH 41 NS Freeway Kenosha - IL State Line to Racine City Ln - CONST/PSRS30
  • 10
    Madison - Portage - STH 60 to CTH CS - Construct/RSRF20

Federal Fiscal Year 2032

  • 11
    Plainfield - Stevens Point - STH 54 to N 2nd Street - Constr/Resurface
  • 12
    Madison - Cambridge - U.S. 18 to IH 39 - Construct/RSRF10
  • 13
    Milwaukee - Fond du Lac - U.S. 45 to STH 144 - Const/PVRPLA

Majors

Federal Fiscal Year 2027

  • 1
    I-41 Appleton - De Pere - Meade St. - Holland Road Const/Reconst with Mainline Expansion

Federal Fiscal Year 2030

  • 2
    Madison - Portage - CTH BB/Cottage Grove Rd, B-18-972 - Const/Reconst

Federal Fiscal Year 2031

  • 3
    Madison - Deforest - U.S. 151 to Kinsman Blvd - Construct/Env Doc to PS&E/Reconst

PHFS Intermodal Connector

Federal Fiscal Year 2027

  • 1
    S. Lincoln Memorial Drive Jones St. - I-794 Reconstruction

Railroad

Federal Fiscal Year 2028

  • 1
    Janesville RR Bridges

Federal Fiscal Year 2029

  • 2
    Muskego Yards CRISI Grant - Muskego Yard Freight Tracks - EX-Const/New Track Structures & Track

Federal Fiscal Year 2030

  • 3
    Crawfish River Bridge

Critical Rural Freight Corridor

Federal Fiscal Year 2032

  • 1
    Turtle Lake - Cameron - N Wye Street to CTH O - Construction/PVRPLA

Thanks for Joining Us!

For more information please visit the State Freight Plan website, or contact: freight@dot.wi.gov


Interactive Comment Map

With a deeper understanding of how freight impacts our state—please use the interactive map tool below to callout freight-related issues or suggestions.

Examples comments could include:

  • Congested highways
  • Frequently blocked rail crossings
  • Difficult truck turns


Drag the red marker to the location where you'd like to leave a comment and press the "Confirm Location" button below. You can search for an address below.

Comment

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