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Crossing programs

A rail crossing on US-127.
Department of Transportation

Crossing programs

MDOT uses dedicated state and federal dollars to improve motorist safety through warning-device enhancements, crossing-surface replacements, and crossing elimination projects. There are approximately 4,800 public railroad crossings throughout the state.

Contacts:

Alexis Louth, Local Crossing Analyst, 517-897-2103

Nisia Tebbe, Trunkline Crossing Manager, 517-335-2272

Safety enhancements

MDOT provides funding for safety enhancements, such as active-warning devices, at existing public grade crossings. Projects are primarily identified through an annual prioritization process that determines where investments will have the greatest benefit for the motoring public. Funding may also be available for crossings affected by road projects. For more details, refer to the Annual Priority Program letter.

Crossing Surface Program

MDOT provides funding assistance for crossing surface improvements on local roads. Through this annual program, local road agencies may apply for grants in cooperation with railroad companies. Applications for the 2026 program are being accepted online. For more details, please refer to the program letters, OneSpan instructions, and the application link.

Applications for the 2026 program must be received by close of business on September 30, 2025.

Crossing eliminations

MDOT provides lump-sum cash incentives to road authorities permanently closing public roads at railroad crossings and provides capped funding incentives towards track realignment projects that eliminate public at-grade crossings.