U.S. Representative Debbie Dingell, alongside officials from the Michigan Infrastructure Office (MIO) and the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT), has announced a significant federal investment to improve rail infrastructure in Trenton, Michigan. The Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) is allocating $73.5 million for enhancements at the M-85 (Fort Street) railroad crossing near Van Horn Road.
The project aims to construct a bridge that will separate the CN Railroad from vehicle traffic. This development is expected to alleviate long wait times, reduce carbon emissions, and stimulate economic activity in the area.
M-85 is a key roadway in southern Wayne County, experiencing between 14 to 16 train crossings daily, totaling 28,775 in 2024. The current crossing poses safety challenges as it is situated near a Level 1 trauma center, potentially delaying emergency vehicles. It also causes congestion affecting commercial truck routes to nearby automotive plants operated by Stellantis and Ford.
The entire project carries an estimated cost of $100 million. Besides the federal funding facilitated by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL), additional financial support includes $16.5 million from the Make it in Michigan Competitiveness Fund through match grants. MDOT and CN Railroad are each contributing $5 million towards completing this infrastructure upgrade.
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