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County panel adopts resolution calling on Union Pacific to fix damaged CTH ZZ railroad crossing
Summary
Milwaukee County supervisors unanimously recommended adopting a resolution under Wisconsin Statute 86.12 directing Union Pacific Railroad to repair a damaged railroad crossing at County Trunk Highway ZZ near South Pennsylvania Avenue after residents and staff reported vehicle damage and safety concerns.
A Milwaukee County committee unanimously recommended adoption of a resolution directing Union Pacific Railroad to repair a long-damaged railroad crossing at County Trunk Highway ZZ west of South Pennsylvania Avenue.
The resolution, introduced by Supervisors Shay and Taylor and described by the Department of Transportation as invoking Wisconsin Statute 86.12, passed on a motion by Supervisor Ekblad and an initial 4-0 vote; Supervisor Coggs Jones later asked to be added to the majority by unanimous consent.
Donna Brown Martin, director of the Milwaukee County Department of Transportation, told the committee the crossing has been damaged for almost two years and the department had “inquired and asked for assistance and we've never gotten a response back.” She said the department recommended using the statute to obtain action from the railroad company.
Transportation analyst Danny Park said he had received “numerous complaints about this crossing and that it's unsafe. For cars. Cars have been damaged crossing it.” Brown Martin told the committee that, as of the prior week, Union Pacific had contacted the county and “stated that they could be out there relatively soon to get the railroad crossing fixed,” and that Union Pacific asked whether the county would withdraw the resolution; she said the county would not do so at this time to ensure follow-through.
County staff told the committee that, if Union Pacific does not comply, the county can share the information with the Office of the Commissioner of Railroads, which by statute may compel improvements or impose sanctions.
On the motion by Supervisor Ekblad that item number 1 be recommended for adoption the roll call showed four ayes, zero noes; after the vote Supervisor Coggs Jones requested and was recorded as included in the majority by unanimous consent.
The resolution references Wisconsin Statute 86.12 and seeks to secure repairs at the specified crossing; the committee’s action was a recommendation for adoption by the full county board per normal process.
The DOT indicated it will continue to monitor Union Pacific’s promised work and pursue administrative enforcement through the Commissioner of Railroads if repairs do not occur.
