Projects in Michigan

Chicago-Detroit
Michigan secured $41 million of federal stimulus money to renovate existing stations in Battle Creek and Troy, and to build a new station next to the Henry Ford Museum in Dearborn. Two major projects, the Englewood Flyover in Chicago and new passenger tracks near the Indiana border will alleviate bottlenecks near Chicago that currently limit service. Michigan has been a pioneer in advancing Positive Train Control (PTC) technology and currently sees some of the fastest trains in the United States outside the Northeast.

The state has secured the funds needed to purchase and upgrade the section from Kalamazoo to Dearborn and will upgrade the track to 110 mph.

Kalamazoo to Chicago additional frequency
An additional frequency on the Wolverine route between Kalamazoo and Chicago has been requested by MDOT. The train will provide morning service to Chicago, which will benefit business commuters with a late night return to ensure connections with trains from all over the country.

Additional Pere Marquette Frequency
The communities along the Lake Michigan shore and MARP are pursuing a second frequency on the Pere Marquette route. The would enable visitors to arrive in Michigan cities in the morning and return home on an evening train. It will put the many attractions and festivals within easy reach of millions of residents in the Chicago area. At this time there is no scheduled start-up date as it requires additional funding from the Michigan State Legislature.

Detroit-Ann Arbor Commuter rail
The Detroit-Ann Arbor commuter rail project is designed to give commuters in a number of Detroit’s suburban communities. The line is currently near completion of the alternatives analysis.

Detroit-Lansing
A 2002 study put the cost of initiating service at around $80 million, and the service would initially require $6.4 million annually in operating support.