Downriver Railroad Crossing Investments Will Save Lives

Downriver Railroad Crossing Investments Will Save Lives, Promote Economic Growth and Reduce Carbon Emissions 
Michigan Receives $73.5 Million from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to Improve Railroad Crossing at M-85 and Van Horn Road in Trenton 

LANSING, Mich. — The Michigan Infrastructure Office(MIO) today announced $73.5 million in funding from the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) to improve the railroad crossing at M-85 (Fort Street) near Van Horn Road in Trenton. The Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) will administer the funds to construct a bridge separating the CN Railroad from vehicle traffic. These much-needed infrastructure improvements will enhance the quality of life in the region by decreasing long wait times, reducing carbon emissions, and boosting economic activity. 
 
“This investment is more than building a bridge. We’re reducing carbon emissions, cutting down wait times, boosting economic activity for the region, and saving lives by making it easier for emergency vehicles to travel downriver,” said Zachary Kolodin, chief infrastructure officer and director of the Michigan Infrastructure Office. “Thanks to Governor Whitmer’s leadership and our continued partnership with the federal government, we’re turning ambitious infrastructure plans into projects that improve the daily lives of Michiganders and drive long-term growth.” 
 
M-85 is a heavily traveled roadway in southern Wayne County that experiences approximately 14 to 16 crossings per day. The existing railroad crossing at M-85 near Van Horn Road is located near a Level 1 trauma center and creates safety concerns by impeding emergency vehicles. Congestion also impedes extensive commercial truck traffic to the nearby Stellantis Trenton Engine Plant and Ford Woodhaven and Flat Rock Assembly Plants. Separating the CN Railroad from traffic will reduce delays for businesses, emergency vehicles, and commuters and cut carbon emissions from idling vehicles.  
 
“This has been a top priority for me since coming to Congress and has been a critical issue needing attention Downriver for decades, and building the business case has finally gotten these critical funds,” said U.S. Representative Debbie Dingell. “For too long, Downriver communities have been dealing with the inconveniences and risks of at-grade railroad intersections, including everything from slower commutes to life-threatening delays for first responders and people seeking critical care as a result of a blocked crossing. I’m proud to announce this federal funding that was included in the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law for the Railroad Crossing Elimination (RCE) Grant Program. The completion of a grade separation will make Downriver safer for all who live, work, and visit here. I will work with our state and local leaders as this project is carried out, from start to finish.” 
 
The total project cost is estimated at $100 million. In addition to the federal investment, made possible by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL), the Make it in Michigan Competitiveness Fund (The Competitiveness Fund) is providing $16.5 million in match grants. MDOT and CN Railroad will invest $5 million each to cover the remaining costs. To date, the Fund has invested over $200 million, leveraging over $1 billion in federal funds, a return on investment of more than 5:1. The Competitiveness Fund supports investments in infrastructure, mobility and electrification, climate and the environment, economic development, health, and public safety. 
 
“We’re pleased to receive funding from the FRA and matching funds from Canadian National Railroad for this important project,” said State Transportation Director Bradley C. Wieferich. “First responders, motorists and trains will benefit from safety and efficiency gains provided by a grade separated crossing at this location.”     
 
This project is strategically important in the achievement of the state’s goals set forth in the Michigan Mobility 2045 Plan, including enhancing quality of life, striving for cleaner, more efficient and sustainable transportation, mitigating travel delays, improving the movement of goods to attract and sustain diverse economic activities, and investing in infrastructure improvements that will expand access to economic opportunities, jobs and core services such as healthcare and education. 
 
Michigan also secured funding for two additional projects under the Railroad Crossing Elimination (RCE) Grant Program. The City of Detroit was awarded $5.2 million to consolidate three at-grade tracks onto two bridges over Lonyo Street and Central Street, eliminating crossings and enhancing safety. The Michigan Infrastructure Office will provide match funding of $825,000 as part of its technical assistance program. The City of Kalamazoo received $2.57 million to plan improvements addressing duplicative railroad crossings in its urban corridor, focusing on safety, mobility, and reducing access barriers. Both projects include a 20 percent non-federal match and demonstrate Michigan’s commitment to improving infrastructure and community safety. 
 
Mobilizing to Secure Federal Dollars  
More than $14 billion in infrastructure funding has been invested in Michigan since the passage of the BIL three years ago. From improving roads and bridges and expanding access to high-speed internet to increasing climate resilience and lowering energy costs for families, the BIL is strengthening communities in every corner of the state, helping them attract good-paying jobs, bolster their infrastructure, win additional investments, and improve quality of life. View Michigan’s Infrastructure Investment Tracker to see the projects happening in your neighborhood. 
 
About the Michigan Infrastructure Office 
The MIO is responsible for organizing and executing Governor Whitmer’s vision for infrastructure, coordinating across state government, marshaling resources, and partnering with local officials, federal partners, and outside stakeholders to ensure resources sent to Michigan through BIL, also known as the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA), are used efficiently and effectively. For more information about the Michigan Infrastructure Office, please visit their website.