LANSING — State Rep. Darrin Camilleri (D-Brownstown) and state Sen. Stephanie Chang (D-Detroit) successfully secured $12 million in the Michigan Department of Transportation budget to construct a bridge over the Van Horn Road rail crossing in Woodhaven. Woodhaven’s rail crossings have been a decades-long problem for Downriver residents, blocking traffic and obstructing emergency services for hours at a time as trains move across the tracks.
“This rail crossing has jeopardized the safety of our region for far too long,” said Camilleri. “We have worked tirelessly to raise this issue in Lansing, and we’re excited to finally see Michigan invest to help solve this problem. No one should have to risk missing a doctor’s appointment, a court date, or worry about getting to work or school late because a train blocked the road for hours. I’m ready to roll up my sleeves and do whatever I can to get this bridge built.”
“After many years of advocacy by Downriver officials, I am proud that we have finally secured state funding for this grade separation,” said Chang. “When complete, this will ensure greater access to region’s only Trauma II hospital and greatly improve the commutes and lives of Downriver residents. This critical milestone is historic, but our work isn’t over. We will continue to work as hard as we can to get it done. I want to thank my colleague, Sen. Curtis Hertel, for his partnership in securing this infrastructure funding for Downriver.”
The MDOT budget now heads to Gov. Whitmer for consideration. Additional federal funds are still needed to complete this grade separation project.
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