Welcome to the Office of the Commisioner of Railroads! I'm glad you stopped by.

Our mission here is simple; keep the trains moving, keep people moving, and make sure they aren't moving into each other.

Contrary to what some may think, rail traffic in Wisconsin is booming. Trains are running throughout the state at higher speeds, more frequently, and sometimes on lines that have either been closed or have not seen trains in years.

Safety is our number one goal! On a daily basis, we work with railroad companies, local units of government, shippers, law enforcement, and citizens to achieve this goal.

ALWAYS treat a rail crossing with the expectation that a train is coming. STOP. LOOK. LISTEN. It's a simple concept, but it is so important because rail safety is no accident!

Take some time to browse our website. You will find helpful links to upcoming hearings, a database of pending cases, a Wisconsin railroad map and some fun facts about trains in Wisconsin.

If my office or I can be of assistance, please drop us a line and we will be happy to help.

ON WISCONSIN!

Jeff Plale, Commissioner

The Office of the Commissioner of Railroads is the state agency with primary responsibility for making determinations of the adequacy of warning devices at railroad crossings, along with other railroad and water carrier related regulations. These duties include:

• Installation of new highway/rail crossings
• Alteration of existing crossings
• Closing or consolidating existing crossings
• Repair of rough crossings
• Determining adequate railroad fences
• Exemptions from railroad track clearance laws
• Assist with rail safety initiatives and participate in community outreach