Great Lakes Wire

DETROIT, MI - U.S. Senators Debbie Stabenow (MI) and Gary Peters (MI) announced the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) will be awarding the City of Monroe $23,964,400 for final design and construction of a new overpass for the CSX railroad on the west side of the city. The overpass will help prevent traffic delays due to train crossings, improve response times for emergency vehicles, and increase safety for pedestrians and motorists. The funding is made available through the Federal Railroad Administration’s (FRA) Railroad Crossing Elimination (RCE) Program, which was established through the bipartisan infrastructure law the Senators helped enact.

“The CSX railroad is a vital shipping corridor for Michigan’s automotive industry. With four railroad crossings in Monroe, there are no options for local detour routes across the tracks. This new railroad crossing will improve traffic flow in and around Monroe, increase the safety of drivers and pedestrians, and allow our emergency workers to get to people in need faster,” said Senator Stabenow.

“I have heard firsthand the challenges caused by this railroad crossing, from traffic back-ups to safety issues,” said Senator Peters. “That’s why I supported the City of Monroe’s effort and am pleased to welcome this federal funding for a new rail overpass that will allow for more efficient transport of goods, while helping ease traffic and safety issues for motorists and pedestrians and improve emergency response times.”

“We are grateful for this direct federal investment award in local community infrastructure for a much needed railroad grade separation on a primary artery through our City. This project funding will significantly improve traffic flow and safety response times for emergency vehicles within the City,” said Mayor Robert E. Clark. “Senator Peters has been a champion for infrastructure improvements and his support in advocating for this grade separation project in the City of Monroe is greatly appreciated. We look forward to partnering with our local, state, federal and railway partners in the completion of this important project.”

The CSX route is an important transportation link for shippers in Western Canada and the auto industry in Metro Detroit. It is a busy railroad corridor in Monroe with approximately 13 trains crossing through per day. With long trains traversing the crossing, drivers and emergency responsive vehicles — including first responders driving to the hospital — face traffic delays with no options for local detour routes.

More information on the Railroad Crossing Elimination (RCE) Program can be found at https://www.transportation.gov/rural/grant-toolkit/railroad-crossing-elimination-rce-grant-program.

Original source can be found here