DOT allocates $67 million for improvements to Detroit rail yard

The Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT), in partnership with the City of Detroit and Norfolk Southern Corporation, will receive more than $67 million from the U.S. Department of Transportation for rail yard improvements.

The funds will be used to upgrade the Livernois Intermodal Facility (IMF) to reduce emissions, find efficiencies, bolster supply chains and reduce environmental impacts on nearby communities.

The funding comes via the Federal Railroad Administration’s Consolidated Rail Infrastructure and Safety Improvements (CRISI) Program and is backed by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. The $67 million grant will be supplemented by $45 million in contributions from Norfolk Southern, MDOT and the City of Detroit, bringing the investment in the Livernois IMF to $112 million.

This funding will assist the Detroit Realizing Environmental Changes Happening Around Railroads Generating Equitable Development (RECHARGED) project. Planned upgrades include the installation of about 17,200 feet of new rail track, enhanced yard paving and the replacement of diesel cranes with state-of-the-art hybrid and fully electric models.

The Livernois IMF is a key transit hub for shipping containers, facilitating smooth transfers between rail and road transport and playing an essential role in Detroit’s supply chain, serving sectors such as manufacturing and retail. The planned improvements will decrease truck traffic, alleviate congestion and reroute traffic away from residential areas, leading to less dust and air pollution, while also more than doubling the facility’s container handling capacity.

“The Livernois Intermodal Facility project will strengthen our operations, drive economic growth and create jobs in Detroit and the surrounding region,” Norfolk Southern President and CEO Mark George said. “Importantly, this investment directly benefits the Southwest Detroit community by addressing long-standing priorities, including reducing diesel emissions, improving air quality and enhancing truck routes.”

The Detroit RECHARGED project focuses on environmental sustainability by cutting emissions from diesel-powered cranes and improving air quality for nearby residents and businesses.

The project’s improvements also look to create a more efficient rail service, benefiting local industries and boosting freight transport capacity.

In addition to Livernois, other Michigan projects received CRISI funding:

Wolverine and Blue Water Capacity Enhancement – Niles-Glenwood Road: Amtrak was granted $8.4 million for the final design and construction of double-track restoration, reducing bottlenecks and improving trip times along Michigan’s rail line. Amtrak and MDOT will contribute 20% in matching funds.

Ludington Improvements: The City of Ludington received $16.4 million, with Marquette Rail and MDOT matching 35%, for development and construction to improve the safety and capacity of Marquette Rail’s track and yard.

Huron Subdivision Track & Service Improvement Program: Lake State Railway Company was awarded $27.1 million, with a 51% match from Lake State Railway and MDOT, to fund maintenance and upgrades between Pinconning and Alpena, improving both safety and service reliability.

Enhancing Grade Crossing Safety in Rural Areas: Michigan State University (MSU) received $428,133 for research using LiDAR and machine learning to evaluate and enhance the safety of rural grade crossings. MSU will provide a 20% match.

Image by Michael Schwarzenberger from Pixabay