CSX Lands $5MM for Detroit Intermodal Terminal Improvements
Written by Marybeth Luczak, Executive Editor
MDOT on March 15 awarded CSX a $5 million grant for intermodal terminal improvements in Detroit. (Photograph Courtesy of MDOT via X, formerly known as Twitter)
CSX will use a $5 million grant from the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) to support equipment upgrades, track work, and paving the dirt and gravel yard at its Detroit Livernois Intermodal Facility in southwest Detroit.
The funding, which will be administered through the 2024 Michigan Rail Enhancement Grant Program (M-REP), was announced March 15.
According to MDOT, M-REP grants aim to “improve rail safety, operational efficiency, accessibility, capacity, the environment, and condition,” and reimburse up to 70% of project costs associated with railroad track, bridges, grade crossings, and rail scales on main line corridors and at rail yards, intermodal facilities, and transload facilities. Movable equipment or freight rail rolling stock may be considered if plans are submitted that provide adequate controls for Michigan-specific use, it reported.
For the CSX project, funds were dedicated for rail-related economic development projects and rail freight system preservation projects, MDOT said. The total cost is $11.7 million, with approximately $6.7 million coming from the Class I railroad.
“CSX is grateful to MDOT for its partnership in advancing these critical infrastructure projects that will enhance intermodal rail service for our customers in Detroit and southeast Michigan,” said Carrie Crozier, Vice President of Intermodal Operations for CSX Intermodal Terminals. “The Detroit Intermodal Rail Service and Capacity Plan will not only improve the efficiency and safety of our operations, but also reduce the environmental impact of freight transportation in the region. We appreciate the support of Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan, State Rep. Tyrone Carter and Wayne County for this project, which demonstrates the strong collaboration between the public and private sectors to promote economic development and sustainability. This is a win-win for CSX, our customers, and our neighbors in Detroit.”
“The city of Detroit is appreciative of CSX and MDOT’s investment in the Detroit Livernois Intermodal Facility in southwest Detroit as a major step forward toward modernizing this yard, limiting fugitive dust and track-out, and building momentum for further investment in the Detroit Intermodal Freight Terminal,” said Sam Krassenstein, Chief of Infrastructure for the city of Detroit. “We look forward to continuing to work with the state of Michigan, freight stakeholders, and community leaders to identify further economic development and community benefit opportunities in southwest Detroit.”
Ten additional freight rail projects across the state received M-REP grants totaling $16 million. For details, read: “MDOT Announces M-REP Grants; $16MM For 10 Freight Rail Projects,” by Jennifer McLawhorn, Managing Editor of RT&S, a Railway Age sister publication.
