train traffic on south/southwest side (Madison, Fitchburg: live, military, law)

[j.conner]

Hello, I am planning on moving somewhere south/southwest of the arboretum [probably between Seminole and Verona Rd.] and I am interested in the traffic on that train track that runs right south of the arboretum:
About how many trains a day? at night? , and most importantly, Do they always blow their horns in that area or just come through?
Thanks a lot for your help!

[katreese]

I'll be interested to see the answer to this question from somewhere who lives closer to that area that I do. If these are C&NW tracks, I believe they're unused. Furthermore, as far as I know, in Madison we have this wonderful new-ish law which contributes highly to public safety whereby trains aren't allowed to blow their horns...even though they go right through residential areas. (I happen to like the sound of trains and think safety is more important.)

[gallon]

Not completely unused, there is the infrequent local switching run out to the edge of town. Beyond that, the line ran out along hwy 14, and now has become the Military Ridge bike trail.

When Madison/Dane county get their collective act together and start implementing light rail and commuter trains, this line will probably be used as the Fitchburg run to downtown.

There is still resistance to this idea of commuter rail. But when gasoline passes through 5 and 6 dollars a gallon, the public will demand it. Only a matter of time and will, or time and panic.

Gary