City says Canadian National raised offer to $15,000 as crossing-closure talks continue; upgrades would cost more, staff says

Engineering staff (Joe) updated the Wisconsin Rapids Common Council on negotiations with Canadian National (CN) over the Kingston Road railroad crossing.

Joe said CN increased a proposed contribution to $15,000, which would also shift the DOT match to $15,000; staff estimated the city’s cost for closure-related improvements at about $100,000 and said CN and the DOT splitting a third each could make the project affordable for the city. By contrast, staff said upgrades to keep the crossing open were estimated at roughly $320,000.

Joe told council members that if CN and the city cannot reach agreement the Office of Commissioner of Railroads could order closure and the city might be required to pay for all resulting improvements. Council members thanked staff for the negotiation efforts; no formal action was taken at this meeting and staff said further updates and potential proposals could return to council next month.

Joe also said he had talked with a resident who raised driveway-access concerns; staff reported that the resident was satisfied after staff follow-up. Negotiations with CN remain in progress, and the city is seeking clearer cost-sharing terms before committing to construction.