LANSING, MI — The U.S. Department of Transportation's Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) awards a $15.6-million Consolidated Rail Infrastructure and Safety Improvements program grant to the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) for trespass prevention and pedestrian safety enhancements along the Michigan Line accelerated rail corridor.

The grant will allow MDOT to build fencing to prevent trespassing and provide other safety enhancements at select grade crossings in high foot traffic areas along the MDOT-owned segment between Kalamazoo and Dearborn. Both Amtrak passenger trains and Norfolk Southern Railroad freight trains operate on this rail line.

Locations were identified where train strikes of pedestrians have occurred and where near misses occurred regularly. Safety improvements are proposed in areas where trains travel faster than 90 mph or in high-pedestrian locations, like downtown Dearborn, Eastern Michigan University in Ypsilanti, University of Michigan Hospital in Ann Arbor, Albion College, Augusta, Galesburg, and downtown Kalamazoo.

"Each site has unique challenges," said Rob Lippert, MDOT Office of Rail Infrastructure Manager. "MDOT is working with Amtrak and local officials to effectively construct the improvements needed to safeguard the public."

Matching the federal grant will be $14.6 million in state funds and $1 million from Amtrak for a total project cost of $31.2 million. Approximately 62 percent of the total project budget will fund improvements in rural areas.

"Safety is at the core of our Amtrak values and this project will improve safety for our customers, our train crews, and our communities," said Steven Predmore, Amtrak Executive Vice President and Chief Safety Officer. "Amtrak contributed $1 million to this grant application to reduce trespassing and route pedestrians to safely cross the tracks."