By Anita Weier
Northside News

As plans develop for the possible return of passenger rail service to Madison, Northside sites are being considered.

Though much work remains in selecting a site, city officials are zeroing in on possibilities that include the Oscar Mayer corridor and the First Street area near the planned Public Market. The possible Oscar Mayer sites are Commercial Avenue or Aberg Avenue. A site on Johnson Street is also a possibility.

Downtown sites being studied include Monona Terrace, Blair Street, Livingston Street and Baldwin Street.

A possible Milwaukee to Madison to Minneapolis Amtrak route received a $500,000 federal planning grant. The consulting company HNTB recommended the Madison locations.

Sites that were considered but rejected include the UW-Madison campus, an Eastside site near Starkweather Creek, and a site near the Dane County Regional Airport.

The study considered ridership potential, rail operations, equitable access, connection, land use and development. The station would be about 3,200 square feet with 700 feet of track, and train layover and servicing space. Disability access is also required.

Those desiring to speak about the plans are welcome to attend a public meeting Tuesday, Jan. 30, at 5 pm, in Room 215 of the Madison Municipal Building. There will also be an online meeting Tuesday, Feb. 6, at 6 pm.