Tracks reopen after train carrying crude oil derails in rural Dodge County
Updated: 8:37 p.m. on Aug. 18, 2025
DODGE COUNTY, Wis. (CBS 58) -- Canadian Pacific confirmed Monday that both tracks are now back open.
Crews wrapped up inspection and repair work on one track over the weekend and the second Monday, but cleanup work is ongoing.
Hazardous material teams are still on the ground working to clean up the oil spill.
The train left the tracks last Friday, with around 30 of 95 cars derailing.
Efforts to fully clean the site and remove those rail cars are expected to be completed this week.
The cause of the derailment remains under investigation.
Updated: 11:30 a.m. on Aug. 16, 2025
DODGE COUNTY, Wis. (CBS 58) -- Dodge County officials say cleanup efforts continue the morning of Saturday, Aug. 16.
Canadian Pacific has confirmed that all rail cars that were leaking fluid have been contained, and the cars that were breached have been plugged.
Multiple resources have been made available, and the Dodge County Sheriff's Office says the main effort right now is to the get the main line back open.
There is no confirmed estimated time when the tracks will be back open.
Environmental and hazardous material teams from Canadian Pacific remain on site and will continue to monitor and investigate.
There has been no cause of the derailment at this time.
Officials say heavy traffic can be expected throughout the weekend in the Village of Reeseville, Danville Road, Caine Warehousing, and Maiden Lane Road. You're asked to avoid these areas if at all possible.
DODGE COUNTY, Wis. (CBS 58) -- Earlier today, Aug. 15, the Dodge County Sheriff's Office received a report of a train derailment between Maiden Lane Rd. and the Village of Reeseville in the Town of Lowell around 2:05 p.m.
An estimated 30 out of 95 cars derailed off a Canadian Pacific Train carrying crude oil.
In a press conference, Dodge County Sheriff's Office says that at least three cars are leaking a gallon of oil a minute, but there is no immediate danger to the public.
There are no reported injuries and no evacuation is required.
Dodge County Sheriff Dale Schmidt says this is the second derailment in just over two years from a Canadian Pacific Train.
“We need to make sure that this doesn’t happen again and they need to take some steps to either reduce speed limit or change some below grade design, so we’ll see what they do, but we can’t have this continue,” said Sheriff Schmidt.
While the cause is still being investigated, Eric Howlett, the CLR Fire Chief says they believe the tracks have split again in the same spot as last time, causing concern for the county.
"Both sets of tracks from the aerial shots that we have currently right now are completely demolished and CP rail is currently mobilizing to come into the scene to take care of the tracks and rebuild the area,” said Chief Howlett.
Dodge County law enforcement is asking the public to avoid the area so emergency responders can manage the incident.
They would also like to remind the public that railroad property is private property and anyone trespassing can be cited or arrested.
The Sheriff says cleanup efforts are expected to take anywhere from 24 to 48 hours.
Amtrak sent out an alert that extended delays are expected due to the incident. An hour delay is expected in La Crosse and the service will resume into Chicago.
Around 4:30 p.m. Friday Dodge County law enforcement updated the public about the train derailment.
A spokesperson with CPKC says the cause of the derailment is under investigation.