Exciting Update on Allen Road Grade Separation Project
For decades, train crossing backups at Allen and Van Horn roads have blocked emergency medical transports and have caused countless Downriver families to be late for work, school drop-offs, doctors’ appointments, and so much more. That’s why, throughout my time in the Michigan Legislature, I’ve been laser focused on securing state resources to fix this problem.
Over the past six years, I’ve brought back over $39 million in state funding for the construction of this grade separation project. But I’m not the only one who’s been doing this work. City, county, and federal leaders have also been tremendously helpful in securing additional funding to get this project started. Because of this teamwork, we’re at a point where shovels are finally in the ground!
As the project gets underway, I’ll continue to provide updates as they come up — but make sure to watch for road closures and plan your routes to get around the construction.
Taking a Statewide Approach to the Issue
Our Downriver communities are not the only ones in the state to be plagued with burdensome railroad crossings that add precious minutes — and sometimes hours — to residents’ commutes. That’s why I fought to pass legislation that created a statewide grade separation fund to facilitate more bridge and underpass projects at busy rail crossings across Michigan.
We need to permanently solve long delays at blocked crossings that occur across Michigan and especially in our Downriver region. Now signed into law, this legislation is working to solve headaches for thousands of Michiganders, while also improving public safety and bringing new, good paying construction jobs to our communities.
A Long-Term Plan to Fix Michigan’s Roads
Let’s be honest: our roads have been awful for years, and despite significant improvements to our state’s highways and major roads in recent years, our local roads have continued to crumble.
In our 2026 State Budget, we championed major investments to help fix the local roads you drive on every day. I also fought to secure over $200 million for the statewide grade separation fund, which will address the train backups that always hit at the worst possible time.
We fought hard to ensure this funding solution would make a difference for our state long-term, improve the neighborhood roads you drive on every day, and encourage job growth, all while maintaining a balanced budget. Learn more at SenateDems.com/budget.
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