Improvements of rail line infrastructure along the Chicago – Detroit/Pontiac route have improved the movement of freight and passenger trains across state borders.
With $347 million from the federal American Recovery and Reinvestment Act and High-Speed Intercity Passenger Rail Program funding, the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) replaced degrading railroad tracks and smoothed curves, upgraded existing railroad crossings and signals, and likewise upgraded trains’ signaling and communication system along the route.
“Between Porter, Ind., and Dearborn, this rail corridor is now dispatched by Amtrak staff, which ensures the efficient movement of passenger trains,” Tim Hoeffner, MDOT Office of Rail director, said. “We hope this encourages people to consider the train for their next trip, especially with upcoming construction and high traffic volumes along the I-94 corridor.”
As a result, maximum speeds on the line are set to reach 110 mph on MDOT-owned portions of the track, up from the 79 mph they had been previously. On an Amtrak-owned section between Porter and Kalamazoo, Michigan, the speed limit was already 110 mph. A new bridge connection has also been set up in West Detroit.
“At MDOT’s direction, Amtrak work crews have corrected years of deferred maintenance and have taken over dispatching,” Joe McHugh, Amtrak vice president of State-Supported Services, said. “We have created the longest railroad segment outside the northeast that is being made ready for even more reliable and faster Amtrak service.”
All of this is resulting in quicker trips and fewer delays along the rail line. A new timetable has been put into effect accordingly.