The Situation
Rail crossings are a regular part of getting around Wisconsin Rapids, and traffic delays at rail intersections have been a growing concern for the city. In 2023, Wisconsin Rapids completed a feasibility study on railroad crossing alternatives and began exploring ways to reduce rail traffic delays.
Improving the predictability of rail crossings for emergency vehicles and the efficiency of pedestrian and vehicle crossings were among the city’s priorities. Better information about train movements can help emergency responders and motorists make routing decisions before reaching a blocked crossing.
What is the “fix,” and how does it benefit the community?
Wisconsin Rapids is installing a Predictive Mobility Rail Safety System at 12 rail crossings. The system includes 14 sensors that will continuously monitor train movements and provide warnings through an app before a train reaches a crossing.
The information can help fire and ambulance crews choose routes around blocked crossings, improving the efficiency of emergency response. Motorists will also be able to receive rail-traffic updates through the app. According to the system provider, the app can run in the background and provide voice alerts so drivers do not need to look at their phones to receive notifications.
Plans also call for electronic signs at various locations to alert motorists to blocked crossings well in advance, allowing them to change routes. The city says the technology is intended to improve routing for emergency responders and reduce traffic congestion.
What makes the investment possible?
The Predictive Mobility Rail Safety System will cost $502,000. A Wisconsin Department of Transportation grant will fund 80 percent of the project, with the remaining $102,000 funded through the City of Wisconsin Rapids’ Downtown Tax Incremental Financing District.
What’s next?
The system is expected to be fully operational beginning in September 2026. Residents will then be able to download an Android or iOS app to receive rail-traffic updates from the system. The city plans to provide information on its website about how residents can connect to the app.
