LANSING, Mich., May 25, 2023 — The Transportation, Mobility, and Infrastructure Committee heard testimony and voted out House Bill 4153 and Senate Bill 125 this week. These bills would allow the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) to create and operate a grant program for the creation of overpasses and underpasses. These passes will separate vehicle traffic from railroad traffic. After voting these bill out of committee, state Rep. Nate Shannon (D-Sterling Heights), chair of the committee, issued the following statement:
“All drivers have been there, sitting behind the red flashing lights, waiting for the never-ending boxcars to all pass through so you can finally get to where you are already running late to. This legislation will help to eliminate some of those delays. These bills encourage innovation in Michigan infrastructure and demonstrate Michigan’s efforts toward making transportation smoother and more convenient for Michiganders. These improvements will also help promote public safety, as it allows EMS, police and firefighters to respond to an emergency situation more quickly, and without the tedious and sometimes detrimental delay caused by train car blockages. These bills not only can help save more lives, but by eliminating train delays, we also can all enjoy greater and easier mobility”
Senate Bill 125 creates the Local Grade Separation Fund and describes the specific grant program and also requires certain reports by MDOT. House Bill 4153 sets standards for funding prioritization and lays out certain conditions, such as proximity to specified facilities or institutions.