West Detroit Connector Rail Project Begins

Sept. 30, 2014
These improvements will eliminate conflicts between passenger rail and freight trains at the West Detroit and Bay City junctions.

Work is scheduled to begin this week on a West Detroit connector rail project that will improve efficiency for both passenger and freight rail carriers on Detroit's west side. The project is located near Junction Avenue between US-12 (Michigan Avenue) and Vernor Highway, just east of the Livernois-Junction intermodal yard.

The West Detroit connector project includes replacing the outdated rail bridge over Junction Avenue, installing 1 mile of new track and switches, and improving signals and communications. Once completed, on-time performance will be improved for Amtrak passenger service by eliminating the conflict with freight trains at the West Detroit and Bay City junctions.

During the project, Junction Avenue will have one lane open in each direction. Demolition of the current bridge is scheduled for this upcoming weekend, requiring crews to close Junction Avenue between Michigan Avenue and West Vernor Highway starting at 10 p.m. Friday, Oct. 3. The closure is expected to end by 6 a.m. Monday, Oct. 6. During the full closure, traffic will be detoured in each direction via Michigan Avenue, Livernois Avenue and West Vernor Highway.

All work on this project is scheduled to be completed in June 2015.