RailNews

Watco to Purchase Former Wisconsin Central Lines From CN

On June 9, 1997, Algoma Central Train 2, the Local, is just emerging from the gorge section of Agawa Canyon. Photo by Steve C. Bradley.

Watco to Purchase Former Wisconsin Central Lines From CN

By Railfan & Railroad Staff

MONTREAL — Watco Companies has agreed to purchase approximately 900 miles of the former Wisconsin Central from Canadian National in Wisconsin, Michigan and Ontario, the two railroads announced today.

CN announced last year that it was putting much of the former Wisconsin Central, including the Algoma Central, on the chopping block. The sale includes the Soo Subdivision (approximately 250 miles of track) from Sault Ste. Marie, to Oba, Ont., and about 650 miles of branch lines in Wisconsin and Michigan. The transaction will need to be approved by the U.S. Surface Transportation Board. In Ontario, Watco will continue freight operations as well as the Agawa Canyon Train Tour. Watco has also signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Missanabie Cree First Nation regarding partnership opportunities for the Algoma Central Railway.

Map Courtesy Watco

“In both the United States and Ontario, CN will continue to play a central role as the transferred segments will remain connected to CN’s tri-coastal network, safely and reliably linking businesses to markets around the world,” CN officials said.

As of Tuesday morning, nothing has been filed with the STB yet and it was unclear when the transaction might occur. 

This article was posted on: March 30, 2021