The Michigan Department of Transportation, in collaboration with the city of Detroit and Norfolk Southern, has secured more than $67 million from the U.S. Department of Transportation to upgrade the Livernois Intermodal Facility (IMF) to cut emissions, improve efficiency, support supply chains, and lessen environmental impacts on surrounding neighborhoods.
The funding, made possible by the Federal Railroad Administration’s Consolidated Rail Infrastructure and Safety Improvements (CRISI) Program, will enhance rail infrastructure in southeast Michigan, promoting economic growth, improving reliability, and advancing environmental sustainability across the state.
The Livernois Intermodal Facility, located at 2725 Livernois Road, serves as a pivotal transit point for shipping containers, allowing for seamless transfer between rail and road transport. This facility is crucial to Detroit’s supply chain, supporting industries ranging from manufacturing to retail.
According to state and local officials, the planned infrastructure upgrades will reduce the number of trucks on roads, ease congestion, and direct traffic away from residential neighborhoods, resulting in reduced dust and air pollution while more than doubling the facility’s container lift capacity.
The $67 million award will be matched by $45 million in funding from Norfolk Southern, MDOT, and the city of Detroit for a total investment of $112 million in the IMF.
“This funding will help make improvements that will greatly improve the quality of life for residents of southwest Detroit living near this facility by reducing dust and vehicle emissions, as well as significantly improving its appearance,” says Mayor Mike Duggan.
The funding will support the Detroit Realizing Environmental Changes Happening Around Railroads Generating Equitable Development (RECHARGED) project, which aims to significantly increase the Livernois IMF’s efficiency and reduce environmental impacts.
Improvements include approximately 17,200 feet of new rail track, upgraded yard paving, and the replacement of existing diesel cranes with hybrid and fully electric models.
“This award marks a pivotal step forward for Michigan’s rail infrastructure and Norfolk Southern’s vision to build a ‘Terminal of the Future’ in Detroit, made possible through an invaluable partnership with the Michigan Department of Transportation and the city of Detroit,” says Mark George, president and CEO of Norfolk Southern.
“The Livernois Intermodal Facility project will strengthen our operations, drive economic growth, and create jobs in Detroit and the surrounding region. Importantly, this investment directly benefits the Southwest Detroit community by addressing long-standing priorities, including reducing diesel emissions, improving air quality, and enhancing truck routes. By incorporating state-of-the-art technology and advanced upgrades, we’ll also better serve customers and partners who rely on access to Midwest markets.”
The Detroit RECHARGED project emphasizes the importance of environmental sustainability by reducing emissions associated with diesel-operated cranes, thus improving air quality for the surrounding residents and businesses.
For Detroit communities historically affected by emissions and noise, these changes mean cleaner air, less traffic disruption, and improved quality of life. The project’s enhancements will provide a more efficient rail service, benefiting local industries and improving freight transport capacity.
By investing in advanced rail technologies and expanding intermodal facilities, Michigan is positioning itself as a leader in the transportation sector, fostering growth and innovation for years to come.
In addition, the following Michigan projects received funding from CRISI:
- Wolverine and Blue Water Capacity Enhancement — Niles-Glenwood Road: Amtrak was awarded $8.4 million for final design and construction to restore double-track functionality, easing bottlenecks and saving trip time along Michigan’s line; Amtrak and MDOT will provide a 20 percent match.
- Leveraging Ludington: The city of Ludington received $16.4 million, with a 35 percent match from Marquette Rail and MDOT, for development, design, and construction improvements to Marquette Rail’s track and yard to enhance safety and capacity.
- Huron Subdivision Track & Service Improvement Program: Lake State Railway Company was awarded $27.1 million, with a 51 percent match from Lake State Railway and MDOT, for maintenance and improvements between Pinconning and Alpena to improve safety and reliability.
- Enhancing Grade Crossing Safety in Rural Areas: Michigan State University (MSU) received $428,133 for research using LiDAR data and machine learning to assess rural grade crossings, improving safety with a proactive approach; MSU will provide a 20 percent match.
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