The Office of the Governor of the State of Michigan

08/07/2026 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 08/07/2026 12:37

Gov. Whitmer Celebrates New Funding for Railroad Underpasses, Overpasses, and Bridges, Highlights Administration’s Work to Fix the Damn Roads

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

August 7, 2026

Gov. Whitmer Celebrates New Funding for Railroad Underpasses, Overpasses, and Bridges, Highlights Administration's Work to Fix the Damn Roads

New investments from the Make it in Michigan Competitiveness Fund will raise the Allen Road rail line, reducing lengthy traffic jams in Wayne County

LANSING, Mich. - Today, Governor Gretchen Whitmer celebrated additional funding in the Fiscal Year 2027 Budget for multiple rail grade separation projects, which separate railroad tracks from roadways and pedestrian crossings so drivers don't have to wait on trains, making good on promises to fix the damn roads, ensure quicker commutes for Michigan drivers, and keep people safe.

"Fixing the damn roads means less wear on your car, a smoother drive, and safer travel for every Michigander," said Governor Whitmer. "I'm proud that my eighth and final budget secured funding for important updates to our roads, like these rail grade separation projects. Over the last seven and a half years, we've fixed more than 26,500 lane miles of road and almost 2,000 bridges across Michigan, supporting tens of thousands of good-paying jobs. Let's keep working together to fix the damn roads and build a brighter future for our state."

"This investment from the Make it in Michigan Competitiveness Fund is a critical step forward for this crucial project," said State Sen. Darrin Camilleri (D-Trenton). "Overhauling the Fort Street crossing in Trenton has been a huge priority of mine for years. I look forward to seeing this project through to completion, and to continued investment in our Downriver infrastructure."

The fiscal year 2027 budget continues to invest in state and local roads across Michigan, including $343 million more in state support for local road funding and a $123.8 million increase in state and federal support for transit and rail programs.

With a focus on improving safety and reducing traffic congestion and wait times, the 2025 road funding package identified funding to support rail grade separation projects across the state, with $40 million per year through the next five years committed to the Grade Separation Fund. Through combined local, state, and federal funding, including new investments from the Make it in Michigan Competitiveness Fund, Wayne County will invest $59 million to raise the Canadian National (CN) rail line over Allen Road, reducing lengthy backups for traffic and conflict points with trains. Utility relocation has already started, and Wayne County expects construction to be completed in Fall of 2028.

East of the Allen Road project in nearby Trenton, MDOT is planning a grade separation on M-85 (Fort Street) just north of Van Horn Road. This $115 million project will raise the highway over the CN Railroad further eliminating another busy area for traffic backups and delays to emergency vehicles on their way to a nearby hospital. The preliminary engineering phase will start at the end of 2026 and finish in 2028 with construction expected to begin in 2029-30.

"Downriver knows all too well the trouble that comes when trains stall and block our roads," said Congresswoman Debbie Dingell. "They delay our commutes, disrupt school drop-offs, and impede the lifesaving work of our first responders. That is why I am proud to have helped secure this federal funding for infrastructure upgrades that will make our roads safer and our commutes quicker. I will continue fighting for federal investments that make everyday life easier for Michiganders."

"Train delays have long been a huge health and safety hazard Downriver," said Mayor Steve Rzeppa of the City of Trenton. "With this crossing being less than a mile from the only Level Two trauma center serving the area, any extended blockages can truly mean life or death. This doesn't even account for the missed appointments or tardiness to work and school and other loss of economic activity. Securing funding for this project has been a very long time coming, and we are thrilled to be able to show what can happen when levels of government work together for the good."

"This funding is a direct investment in the safety of everyone who shares our roads, prioritizing drivers, first responders, and the communities living alongside these crossings every day," said Rob Coppersmith, Executive Vice President of the Michigan Infrastructure and Transportation Association. "It represents continued progress on fixing Michigan's infrastructure, and reflects a simple, non-negotiable priority that safety comes first. While the work isn't finished, projects like these are exactly how we build a transportation system Michigan can finally count on."

"Thanks to the leadership of our legislative partners and Governor Whitmer, the FY 2027 state budget delivers important investments in Michigan's infrastructure," said Brent Pilarski, Business Manager, Michigan Laborers District Council. "Projects across the state, including the Downriver rail grade separation, will create good-paying union jobs while making our transportation network safer and more reliable. Michigan Laborers are proud to help build a stronger future for our state this year, and every year."

The Rebuilding Michigan program, now among its final years of construction, will see more than 36 of 47 total projects substantially complete by the end of 2026, with several additional projects slated for bid letting in early 2027. Some of the most notable corridor investments include I-275 in Wayne County, I-696 in Oakland County, and I-496 in Eaton and Ingham counties.

Fixing the Damn Roads

The governor is focused on rebuilding our roads and bridges with the right mix and materials, so they stay fixed, supporting tens of thousands of good-paying construction jobs along the way.

  • Since taking office through the end of this construction season, Michigan will have fixed more than 26,500 lane miles of road and 2,000 bridges, supporting tens of thousands of jobs.
  • Continued partnership with the Canadian government on the Gordie Howe International Bridge, a major trade corridor that supports at least 2,500 good-paying jobs for Michiganders.
  • Launched the Rebuilding Michigan Plan, a $3.5 billion plan expanding major new road projects, rebuilding state highways and bridges over 5 years, without an increase at the pump.
  • Signed the Building Michigan Together Plan, investing $316 million into roads and bridges, $66 million into pump station generators to keep highways clear during severe storms, and $92 million to upgrade regional airports.
  • Launched the Bridge Bundling program to streamline permitting and improve bridge conditions on local routes around the state. Secured $80 million for the program.
  • Won a nearly $105 million competitive federal grant to replace I-375 in Detroit with a street-level boulevard and reconnect communities split apart nearly 60 years ago.
  • Delivered $95 million to support local transit, marine services, rail, and more.
  • Announced the first ever Michigan Maritime Strategy, attracting new investments, fostering innovation, and strengthening Michigan's water-time economy.

###

The Office of the Governor of the State of Michigan published this content on August 07, 2026, and is solely responsible for the information contained herein. Distributed via Public Technologies (PUBT), unedited and unaltered, on August 07, 2026 at 18:37 UTC. If you believe the information included in the content is inaccurate or outdated and requires editing or removal, please contact us at [email protected]