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Opening the Downriver Economic Corridor

Allen Road Grade Separation

Problem
For decades, Downriver residents and motorists have experienced traffic blockages of 45 minutes or more as trains slow and stop heading into Canadian National's Flat Rock yard, blocking traffic at the Allen Road crossing in the city of Woodhaven.

Proposed Solution
Lower the roadway and build a rail bridge over Allen Road. The grade seperation projects would create a separate bridge for the CN railroad line rsulting in Allen Road going up the railroad line crossing bridge and eliminate lengthy delays for motorists.

Allen Road Press Release

Project Details

This requires two separate projects, which includes building a pump station and moving utility, water and sewer lines.

Traffic
On average, more than 30,000 vehicles, including 2,140 commercial trucks traverse the Allen Road crossing daily.

Stoppages
The average stoppage caused by trains is just over 9 minutes, which amounts to more than one hour per day. It's not uncommon for some stoppages to last 45 minutes or more. In one instance in 2014, due to a mechanical failure, trains blocked the crossing for over six hours.

Impact of Delays
Stoppages at the Allen Road crossing congestion impacting the entire Downriver region while delaying commuters, school buses, deliveries and public safety vehicles to one of the region's busiest commercial and industrial corridors.

  • Beaumont Hospital-Trenton, Downriver's Level II Trauma Center
  • FCA's Trenton Engine Plant
  • GM's Brownstown Battery Assembly Plant
  • Ford's Flat Rock Assembly Plant, Woodhaven Forging and Woodhaven Stamping Plants
  • Additional automotive supplier facilities
  • Detroit River International Wildlife Refuge
  • Woodhaven-Brownstown School District
  • 33rd District Court

Next Steps
Approval from Wayne County Board of Commissioners and Woodhaven City Council

Estimated Costs of the two projects is up to $39 million

Road construction: $12 million

  • $8 million federal FASTLANE grant
  • Up to $4 million Wayne County (Act 51)

Bridge Construction & Improvements: $27 million

  • $12 million from State of Michigan/ Department of Transportation
  • Up to $10.25 million from city of Woodhaven*
  • Up to $6 million from Wayne County (Act 51)*

*County and city contributions vary based on final project cost.