Michigan allocates $3 million for Woodhaven grade separation

The state of Michigan will provide $3 million to help fund the $30 million Allen Road grade separation project in Woodhaven, State Rep. Pat Somerville announced last week.

The project calls for lowering Allen Road and building a bridge to separate CN rail traffic and vehicular traffic. Removing the existing grade crossing will eliminate motorists' delays, reduce train-vehicle accidents and trim unnecessary costs in the Downriver region of southeast Michigan, according to state officials.

"Anyone who has driven in Woodhaven has probably been stopped by a train. This grade separation will not only make life better for area residents, it will facilitate better emergency services and provide better access for local fire departments," said Somerville in a press release.

The Wayne County Department of Public Services has applied for a $14.8 million Transportation Investment Generating Economic Recovery VI grant from the U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) to help fund the grade separation. The USDOT expects to announce grant recipients in late summer or early fall.