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Jackson and Mechanic streets reopen in Jackson as railroad bridges project pauses for winter

Fast facts:

  • MDOT is replacing two 100-year-old railroad bridges over Jackson and Mechanic streets.
  • Local streets will close next spring when the project resumes.
  • The $32.9 million project is estimated to be completed in August 2023.

LANSING, Mich. - On Tuesday, Nov. 22, the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) will reopen Jackson and Mechanic streets for the winter near downtown Jackson. Detroit and Van Buren streets will remain closed and drivers should continue to follow the posted detours.

These local streets were closed as part of the Jackson railroad bridges replacement project to replace two century-old bridges over Jackson and Mechanic streets. The project also includes replacing the railroad grade crossing at Blackstone Street. The project required closing several city streets to complete the work safely. 

Next spring, Jackson and Mechanic streets will be closed again when the contractor resumes work. The bridges are on a segment of railroad owned by MDOT within the federally designated high-speed rail corridor between Chicago and Detroit/Pontiac, which supports Amtrak passenger service and Norfolk Southern freight trains. The $32.9 million project is estimated to be completed in August 2023.

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