City Successfully Wins Fight Against WisDOT to Protect Northside
Published on August 04, 2026
LA CROSSE, WI — The City of La Crosse has successfully opposed the closure of the Liberty and St. Cloud intersection by the Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT). This cross-departmental effort, championed by the Department of Engineering and Public Works and Legal Department, preserves city connectivity, maintains quality of life and convenience, and retains public access for emergency services on La Crosse’s Lower Northside.
Engineering and Public Works Director Matthew Gallager said that the City opposed WisDOT’s February 2025 petition to close this intersection because the Lower Northside has been historically and disproportionately affected by the century-old expansion of the railroad and its operations. “Today, this crossing provides one of the only north-south routes to this part of La Crosse. This neighborhood has suffered continuously from the disconnection and discontinuation of public ways. We cannot allow this disenfranchisement to continue,” he emphasized.
In a Final Decision, the Office of the Commissioner of Railroads (OCR) echoed similar sentiments that closing this intersection would be asking more from a community that has already given more than enough. “The city’s Northside is a living and breathing neighborhood already enduring the physical barriers separating neighbors from one another, and from school, places of worship, local shops, parks and other neighborhood resources that promote a community’s shared identity and purpose,” Commissioner Don Vruwink reminded. This decision also protects the Avon/Hagar intersection against closure.
Ellen Atterbury, Assistant City Attorney, praised the collaboration that yielded a positive outcome. “The City’s legal team is comprised of knowledgeable and competent attorneys and staff, but this was really a team effort,” she said. “We are beyond pleased with the Commissioner’s decision and thank City departments, elected officials, and community members for their advocacy and participation.”
In support of the City’s efforts, the Common Council adopted Resolution 25-0478, opposing the closure of “public railroad crossings at Liberty/St. Cloud Streets and Avon/Hagar Streets” on May 8, 2025. The Planning and Development, Fire, and Police departments also informed the testimonies and exhibits provided at an OCR public hearing on July 29, 2025. Planning Director Andrea Trane testified alongside Director Gallager, while City elected officials also testified, submitted comments, and notified residents about WisDOT’s petition.
The City of La Crosse has committed to complying with OCR’s order to make satisfactory safety improvements to this intersection, including erecting signage and implementing roadway markings. With OCR’s guidance, the City will continue to collaborate with WisDOT on future railroad crossing projects.