On Wednesday, April 29, 2026, federal, state and local officials gathered in the Town of West Point, WI to celebrate the completion of the $25.5M rehabilitation of the Merrimac Railroad Bridge.  On site for the Ribbon Cutting was Kristina Boardman, Secretary of the Wisconsin Department of Transportation, Russell Roberts of the U.S. Department of Transportation, Marty Krueger, Chairman of the Wisconsin River Rail Transit Commission, Tim McCumber, Chairman of the Sauk County Board of Supervisors, Alan Anderson, Chair of the Pink Lady Rail Transit Commission, State Senator Sarah Keyeski, State Rep. Karen DeSanto and many other stakeholders and dignitaries.  All these organizations and state offices worked together to secure the funding and to rebuild the 2,200-foot bridge to modern industry standards and to handle 286,000 lb. weight capacity. 
 
For years, Sauk County manufacturers and producers were required to light load their rail cars due to bridge degradation and weight restrictions.  After hearing loud and clear from rail shippers, communities and other stakeholders on how inefficient it is to have to light load a railroad car, all parties came together to fund a long-term solution.  The bridge can now handle up to 286,000 lbs. gross weight which is our industry standard and it allows manufacturers all across the U.S. to remain competitive.