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CN To Divest From Several Northern Wis. And U.P. Rail Routes

Canadian National map

Canadian National railroad confirmed to WXPR last week that they intend to divest from hundreds of miles of track in northern Wisconsin and the Upper Peninsula. When asked to confirm rumors of the action, Canadian National issued a statement saying they were taking the first step in the process to find another party interested to purchase segments in northern Wisconsin and the U.P.

Not all lines the company uses here would be sold, according a map obtained by WXPR.

In total, they're looking to divest about 456 miles of track over 13 different segments in this region. The company's statement says Wisconsin remains a core to Canadian National, but they want to leave lines that are under utilized.

The statement said those lines still would remain connected to CN after a new owner comes forward. Among the sections of track to be divested are from near Ladysmith through Rhinelander to Goodman, from Bradley through Tomahawk to Wausau, Prentice through Park Falls to Ashland. In the U.P., a line from White Pine to Marengo, Wisconsin would be sold and a line at Munising.

We have the Canadian National statement below.

"After careful review and study, CN announced we are taking the first step in the process to find another party interested in purchasing segments of our non-core network in Wisconsin with a different value proposition and service options. We are looking to divest approximately 456 miles of track over 13 different segments in Northern Wisconsin. Wisconsin remains core to CN. Today’s announcement impacts only the underutilized portions of our network, not the main line that is so vital to linking our network. If a new owner acquires these lines CN will still play a central role in the region as these segments will remain connected to our network, safely and reliably linking Wisconsin businesses to markets around the world."

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