Detroit & Michigan: Go-Town Transportation Lowdown

[airforceguy]

Michigan Central campus to get new transit center in bid to bring trains back

A new transit center is coming to the Michigan Central campus, featuring a new intercity bus transit station, and with any luck, a new passenger rail line.

Michigan Central, the Michigan Department of Transportation and the city of Detroit have entered into a memorandum of understanding, armed with a $40 million commitment to put toward initial research and engineering for the creation of a multimodal transportation hub on Michigan Central's Corktown campus.

It would be located on a tract of Ford Motor Co.-owned land immediately south of an existing Department of Public Works yard that’s, at least in part, slated to be relocated to other sites in the future. Crain’s reported in April that there was an effort to build a new transit facility to the southwest of the recently redeveloped Michigan Central Station. The $40 million pledge includes $10 million in Federal Transportation Administration funding and another $30 million in MDOT funding. Those dollars will pay for things like architecture and engineering services, and environmental studies that need to be completed before the $10 million federal tranche is officially committed, MDOT officials said.

The MOU says the engineering and environmental assessment is expected to be complete by Oct. 1 next year, after which a definitive development agreement would be signed; final design and construction would be complete by Oct. 31, 2028; and the facility would open by Dec. 31, 2028.

https://www.crainsdetroit.com/transporta...station-campus-slated-new-transit-center

[Velvet_Highground]

There’s a lot left to iron out and all this is at a time when self inflicted wounds exist in US-Canadian relations. Still I see the preliminary framework and funding to support the Michigan side which is something tangible and meaningful progress. I like Whitmer’s take “good things happen when we work together” nothing groundbreaking and certainly not rocket science but a good not so subtle reminder that even back to basics is still a step forward.

Michigan Central Campus

https://www.crainsdetroit.com/transporta...station-campus-slated-new-transit-center

[seabee1526]

Originally Posted by Velvet_Highground

There’s a lot left to iron out and all this is at a time when self inflicted wounds exist in US-Canadian relations. Still I see the preliminary framework and funding to support the Michigan side which is something tangible and meaningful progress. I like Whitmer’s take “good things happen when we work together” nothing groundbreaking and certainly not rocket science but a good not so subtle reminder that even back to basics is still a step forward.

Michigan Central Campus

https://www.crainsdetroit.com/transporta...station-campus-slated-new-transit-center

They’ll need to bring Q out there to service the people coming in and those going out.

[DCReid]

Plans are underway to bring trains back to the iconic Michigan Central Station, with possible rail service from Detroit all the way to Toronto beginning as soon as 2029...
https://www.yahoo.com/news/articles/whitmer-announces-amtrak-restart-michigan-171334692.html

[Velvet_Highground]

I’m interested to see what the transit review ends up recommending there’ve been a series of proposals to expand the Q into Corktown with the most serious backed by Penske. As cool as it would be to see the People Mover expand into Eastern Market, Midtown to Mack Ave as well as Corktown creating a new Michigan Ave light rail feels like the most realistic option for now.

[Velvet_Highground]

Michigan studies 'coast-to-coast' train between Detroit, Holland

The Michigan Department of Transportation is studying the feasibility of adding "coast-to-coast" passenger train service between Detroit and Holland.

If the line comes to fruition, it would be the fourth in the state — joining Amtrak's Wolverine, Blue Water and Pere Marquette corridors that connect Chicago to Pontiac, Port Huron and Grand Rapids.

"We're really just embarking on the study to say, you know, is this feasible? What's the market for something like this? What kind of investment would be needed if we were going to operate that service through Michigan?" Peter Anastor, administrator of MDOT's Office of Rail, told the House Appropriation Committee's state and local transportation subcommittee Wednesday.

The genesis of the coast-to-coast idea was a 2016 study from the Michigan Environmental Council, he said, followed by a 2023 report from Gov. Gretchen Whitmer's population council. The Growing Michigan Together Council recommended that MDOT support a more robust passenger rail system by developing new lines and increasing the frequence of service along existing routes.

MDOT received about $1.5 million in federal funding to do initial work to improve the three current lines, including their reliability. It is looking to double the number of daily round trips — to six on the Wolverine and to two each on the Blue Water and Pere Marquette — and to extend the Wolverine to Windsor via the Detroit River Tunnel, Anastor said.

As part of that process, known as Corridor ID, MDOT asked its consultant to also study the fourth route.

The Holland-Grand Rapids-Lansing-Ann Arbor-Detroit line could go one of two ways in the Lansing area — north-south to Jackson along existing tracks and then to Ann Arbor, or east-west to Howell and then to Ann Arbor along current tracks.

Anastor anticipates finishing a service development plan for the potential new route in 2028, with plans for the three existing routes being completed in 2030.

https://www.crainsdetroit.com/politics-policy/michigan-studies-coast-coast-train-service

[DetroitMan]

MDOT unveils future of the I-375 boulevard project

In August, MDOT cited “rising costs, longevity of the final project and roadway, and public concern over design elements," as factors in the decision to delay work on the project.

Jason Garza, deputy region engineer for MDOT's metro region, said during the meeting that what began as a $350 million project escalated to a cost of approximately $520 million as the organizations integrated community feedback into the designs. "We have one shot at this," Garza said. "Whatever we build is going to be out there 40, 50, 60, years. We need to make sure that we're getting this as right as we possibly can, so during this pause, we've taken a step back."

Rob Morosi, a spokesperson for MDOT, said that throughout the pause, organizers have continued to meet with stakeholders.

Construction for the project was slated to begin this fall pending final land-use approval that was to be announced at a public meeting on Sept. 25. But the city's assessments of zoning and land use also paused when the project did, according to John Sivills, lead urban designer for the city of Detroit's central planning district. Sivills said the city will continue to evaluate the project based on feedback and an update from the Federal Highway Administration.

The updated timeline for the project kicked off earlier this year with construction of a storm sewer outfall to the Detroit River south of Jefferson Avenue that's expected to be completed by the time of the Detroit Grand Prix the last weekend of May.

Pending federal approval, MDOT will begin filling in the freeway in 2027 and 2028 to construct a new surface-level street between Gratiot and Jefferson avenues. It will also begin reconstructing the bridge at Gratiot Avenue over the Dequindre Cut.

At a later date — Garza estimated five to 10 years from now — construction of the Interstate 75 and I-375 interchange will begin along with work on the Gratiot Avenue and Gratiot Connector. That project will also require federal approval.

https://www.crainsdetroit.com/transportation/i-375-projects-new-direction-unveiled-mdot

[DetroitMan]

DDOT to Replace Diesel with Hybrid Buses Using $50M Federal Grant

The Detroit Department of Transportation announced Monday morning inside a nearly finished maintenance facility the system is boosting wages and getting 53 new buses thanks to a $50.8 million federal grant.

The new hybrid buses and newly ratified contracts with DDOT drivers and mechanics will usher in a new era for the city’s transportation system, Mayor Mike Duggan said Monday.

The Trump administration announced the awardees last week. Detroit will receive funding for new hybrid buses to replace older aging diesel buses that have reached their useful life.

The total award is $50,854,529.

Megan Owens, the president of Transit Riders United, thanked Duggan, DDOT director Robert Cramer and city council president and Mayor-elect Mary Sheffield.

“Some of us ride the DDOT system — all of us need it. It is a critical part of this city to function and to grow and to thrive. This is a great step in the right direction but there’s a long way to go,” Owens said. “It’s out of crisis, it’s got a solid position, we’re excited to really see it move to good and a great system that this city can be proud of.”

The DDOT Reimagined plan aimed to improve rider experience after being known for long delays, no-show buses and poor customer service.

The plan has included shifting routes to ensure 90% of Detroit residents live near a bus stop to get wherever they need to go. DDOT is currently installing 21 new elevated bus boarding platforms along East Jefferson Ave. to enhance safety.

https://michiganchronicle.com/ddot-to-replace-diesel-with-hybrid-buses-using-50m-federal-grant/

[Velvet_Highground]

Moving in the right direction.

The American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees union ratified a new contract that will pay mechanics up to $34.50 per hour. Earlier this month, more than 500 bus operators represented by the Amalgamated Transit Union Local 26, ratified a contract that increases wages by $6 per hour.

City council approved an increase to the department’s budget by $20 million in the 2025-26 fiscal budget, though activists with Transit Riders United called for more. The extra funds are being used to pay mechanics improve bus stop shelters and seating.

Federal grants to purchase 76 new buses have already been awarded over the last two years, bringing the total number of new buses to 129. That means 44% of the entire fleet will be replaced with new buses by 2027.

https://michiganchronicle.com/ddot-to-replace-diesel-with-hybrid-buses-using-50m-federal-grant/



https://www.cbsnews.com/detroit/news/detroit-coolidge-bus-terminal/

[Velvet_Highground]

Finally it looks like a consensus has been reached that opens the way to put 375 in the rear view mirror.

Revised I-375 plan gets good marks from former critics

…

Project partners, including the Michigan Department of Transportation, the city of Detroit, Downtown Detroit Partnership and the Kresge Foundation, announced a new approach to the project at a meeting last month: splitting construction into two main phases.

…

“In a project of this magnitude, we'll never be able to satisfy every aspect of every concern, but there has been a very, very concerted effort by all parties to try and minimize and to respond to the concerns and, quite frankly, some of the ideas that have surfaced,” Larson said.

That includes a more efficient build schedule that shortens the construction period and minimizes impact on surrounding businesses.

The revised proposal for the project starts at the southernmost point of I-375. Construction is underway on a storm sewer outfall to the Detroit River south of Jefferson Avenue. That work is expected to be completed by the time of the Detroit Grand Prix during the last weekend of May 2026.

Pending federal approval, MDOT will begin filling in the freeway in 2027 and 2028 to construct a new surface-level street between Gratiot and Jefferson avenues. It will also begin reconstructing the bridge at Gratiot Avenue over the Dequindre Cut.

Approximately 8.8 acres of land will be made available for development from the second phase of the project — the filling in of the sunken interstate — which is expected to be completed in 2027 or 2028.

The last phase of the project is a redesign of the I-75 interchange with I-375 and Gratiot Avenue, for which MDOT has set a potential timeline of 10 to 15 years before it is completed. The interchange redesign is expected to free up additional land as well.

…

https://www.crainsdetroit.com/transportation/revised-i-375-plan-gets-good-marks-former-critics

[Velvet_Highground]

A channel call Well there’s your Problem did an interesting deep dive on the Ambassador Bridge. It’s a bit long winded and takes a couple meandering turns but the hosts have good humor and the other subjects they touch are worth the detour. The explosion of a vape shop next to Edinburgh’s main train station closing it due to structural instability, wild. The title of most abused bridge in the world is fitting and something I had not considered, the reaction to Church - Huron and Colledge is priceless. “Is that an at grade railroad crossing between the intersection and the toll plaza!?” Lol.

• Video Link

[Busy Bee]

Originally Posted by Velvet_Highground

Why is the design of this such a trainwreck?

[Crawford]

Welcome to Metro Detroit and autotopia.

Even scarier, that garage used to be half the size. They supersized it when they built that hideous casino tower (which took out much of Greektown).

And the freeway rebuilding is actually making things worse. The current alignment is depressed, and low traffic, and they're bringing it up to grade level, further separating nearby neighborhoods. Now you get your trucks at window level.

[Velvet_Highground]

Blackrock has a major stake in Hollywood Greektown they were against any project at all and they became much more powerful that seat on the Downtown Detroit Partnership really went to bat for them during the election making a big stink.

Yeah it’s a bouquet of roses the traffic nightmare we have for getting around any construction and it’s gridlock at rush hour it’s bleak if there’s construction. The roads have all been rebuilt recently too it’s been tiring to have all this deferred maintenance. It’s a massive region there’s no stomach for new freeways fortunately. We have such a long way to go and we’re still at the basic stage.

Really a major downer far as nightlife goes all weather non car transit it’s the thing holding back the region from truly being one of the elites. Doesn’t matter if there’s a ton of unique reasons and advantages in living here. I really hope the Detroit Toledo Cleveland Amtrak corridor comes to fruition make sure there are no windmills in the rendering or something. I think successfully bringing back passenger service Up North has the potential to be a game changer. Showing the advantage of being able to use a good system to avoid the 4 hour drive to the cottage and think why don’t we do something like this at home it’s so much nicer not to always have to drive.

Love my car and driving can be fun but when it’s just a chore it 🞵🞵🞵🞵🞵 and it’s another expense that prices some people out of opportunities. I’m preaching to the choir here but it has to be said again every so often.

Speaking of brand new I-94 rebuild

https://www.clickondetroit.com/news/loca...is-month-timeline-location-what-its-for/

If it feels like it’s never ending it’s what we got for having successive governments that were unwilling or unable politically to spend what needed to be spent on the roads.


2019

https://www.freep.com/story/news/local/m...construction-detroit-airport/3275494002/

[The North One]

Originally Posted by Busy Bee

Why is the design of this such a trainwreck?

It's an objective improvement over what it is currently. Reduces the lanes and removes a highway trench. Also not shown is how it removes the weird interchange that splits Jefferson. It's not perfect but people unhappy with their lives will complain no matter what.

[Jasoncw]

The southbound service drive is going from a simple one way 3 lane road to a chaotic 6 lane road. This is a big downgrade.

The northbound service drive is going from a one way 3 lane road to a two way 2 lane road. On paper that is an improvement, but in my experience as a pedestrian I very strongly prefer only having to look in one direction for cars. So I think that's a sidegrade.

[Velvet_Highground]

It really is the worse of the least bad options at best instead of going all the way and fixing the issue it’s been punted halfway there so it will be more difficult to get right next time if that happens. With all the pressure it faced it is what it is the money isn’t going to be around potentially for less time than we think I’m not happy with it and I expect better but it’s just another missed opportunity. There’s plenty more opportunities right now but it a bummer because the eastside of downtown is a mess and has the possibility to act as more of an engine.

Frankly the Ren Cen and the space opened by 375 is a big project at time when the economy has a lot of shocks to absorb I think state leadership feels chastened by the political loss with the Ren Cen in 2024. Keeping a strong vision is important this is going to feel like The Corner Ballpark moment in 10-20 years. The Corner Ballpark is better than nothing and it brought life to Corktown when it needed it badly in the shadow of Michigan Central in a bad way & without a ballpark but it’s soulless and cheap in a gritty real historic neighborhood.

Detroit had limited resources and can’t lose an opportunity like this (the federal government has been taking money back) it also wouldn’t be well advised to fight Blackrock and it’s interests to the death on this I’m unhappy but I can appreciate a practical solution as long as we’re not lowering the bar as a whole.

[airforceguy]

The Detroit Transportation Corp, the operators of the People Mover, will lead development of the new transit hub located near Michigan Central. I believe with the DTC studying an expansion of the People Mover, that extending it west to Corktown will be their priority.

People Mover operator to lead development of Michigan Central’s $40M transit hub

The project, announced in October by Michigan Central, the Michigan Department of Transportation and the city of Detroit, includes a multimodal transportation hub on Michigan Central’s Corktown campus. Property adjacent to Michigan Central Station is being targeted for a transit hub for bus lines. Officials hope it could also be an Amtrak stop, but that has not yet been finalized. The DTC oversees the operation of the Detroit People Mover. The selection of DTC to head the planning for the Michigan Central transit hub is the first progress on the project since it was announced. The transit hub, when it was announced, was anticipated to be completed in 2028.

DTC will begin the public process of issuing requests for proposals this summer, Ericka Alexander, a spokesperson for the DTC, told Crain’s in an email. The construction timeline will be solidified after the preliminary design phase.

“The Michigan Central Multimodal Facility will provide robust infrastructure, enhancing options for trains, buses and shuttles,” said Melia Howard, CEO of the DTC and general manager of the Detroit People Mover, in an email to Crain’s. “Detroiters and travelers will also experience a range of micro-mobility possibilities including scooters, bikes, autonomous vehicles, and other last-mile options to better link Detroit’s public spaces and transportation networks.” Michigan Central, MDOT and the city have entered a memorandum of understanding that includes a $40 million commitment to put toward initial research and engineering for the creation of the facility.

The $40 million pledge includes $10 million in Federal Transportation Administration funding and another $30 million in MDOT funding. Those dollars will pay for things like architecture and engineering services, and environmental studies that need to be completed before the $10 million federal tranche is officially committed, MDOT officials previously told Crain’s.

The facility is expected to be, at a minimum, the new home of bus lines for Greyhound, Indian Trails, and Detroit’s intercity buses, operated by SMART bus. MDOT is also working with the Regional Transit Authority to add stops along the D2A2 and Detroit Air Xpress routes to connect to Ann Arbor and the Detroit Metropolitan Airport, respectively.

“The goals of the MCMF are to position the region for greater multimodal connectivity; create a transformational gateway to Detroit, the region, and the State of Michigan; and advance innovation within all modalities, cementing Michigan as a destination for ongoing talent attraction and outside investment,” Anderson said.

https://www.crainsdetroit.com/transportation/cdb-dtc-multimodal-hub-20260501/

[Velvet_Highground]

Glad to see the attempt to pivot to drone technology there’s not a lot of complete big US based supply chains in the US right now and it’s the future or and or it’s too secret but I’ve heard from former government employees that were just as far behind as it looks like. A logical place to expand the people mover would be into Corktown. I suppose it’s a first step in something that we don’t really have much recent regional experience in hard times I’m hopeful we can make something happen. We can even during difficult times but we lingering problems that need to be addressed as well Detroit has positive cash flow and has built up reserves for a decade or more it has a lot of obligations to meet.

[The North One]

There is no planned or possible people mover expansion. Why do people desperately cling on to this myth? Been hearing about it since I was a child.