Public survey seeks input on potential northern Michigan train line. What to know

A nonprofit engaged on a long-term plan to construct a passenger rail line that will run from Petoskey to Detroit is in search of further public enter on the thought.

On Tuesday, January 7, the non-profit group supporting the undertaking Groundwork Center for Resilient Communitiesintroduced a web based viewers survey to assemble insights from the neighborhood that might advance the thought first proposed in 2009.

“We need to hear immediately from the individuals who would use this service,” Groundwork Transportation Program Supervisor Carolyn Ulstad mentioned in a Jan. 7 information launch. “Your suggestions will information our planning choices and assist us design a rail service that successfully serves the area.”

Beneath the proposal, residents of Detroit and Ann Arbor may sooner or later sooner or later hop on a practice to Traverse Metropolis or Petoskey. The proposal, often known as the North + South Passenger Rail Projectis a part of the Michigan Mobility 2045 Plan.

The thought was launched in 2009 and has obtained neighborhood help and $2.3 million in state and federal grants. Labor and economic opportunityin 2021, and the US Department of Transportationin 2022.

“The route would join Michigan’s dynamic areas with an environment friendly, comfy various to driving,” the North + South Passenger Rail Mission says on its web site. “This undertaking represents an important alternative to create a extra linked, inclusive and sustainable transportation system that makes Michigan a extra enticing and aggressive place to dwell, work and do enterprise.”

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Here is extra in regards to the North + South Passenger Rail Mission in Michigan:

What’s the North + South Passenger Rail Mission?

The North + South Passenger Rail Mission is a potential railway line connecting cities in southeastern and central Michigan with cities in northwest Michigan. Just lately, in 2025-2026, the undertaking group plans to finish a brand new planning research initiated by Groundwork Center for Resilient Communities to supply extra perception into the potential route, monitor situations, service choices, prices and an implementation plan.

Would the proposed line connect with Amtrak?

Sure, the road would connect with Amtrak strains in Michigan at areas in Durand, Ann Arbor and Detroit.

There are three different Amtrak lines runs via Michigan.

The place can I full the undertaking survey for the North+South passenger rail?

To study extra in regards to the potential new practice in Michigan, residents are inspired to fill out the shape online surveydiscovered on the official website of the project.

As well as, the web site collects questions or ideas from the audience through his contact web page.

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What are the potential stations for the North and South Passenger Practice in Michigan?

The potential stops of the North + South Passenger Railroad embrace Detroit, Ann Arbor, Howell, Durand, Owosso, Alma, Mt. Nice, Clare, Cadillac, Traverse Metropolis, Kalkaska and Petoskey.

In accordance with the undertaking’s web site, the rail line would run largely on the state’s current rail hall, so new building can be restricted.

What are the following steps in passenger transport?

Following the newest planning research and public survey, the undertaking workforce plans to use for the following spherical of the Federal Railroad Administration Corridor ID Programwhich is a nationwide effort to carry promising passenger rail initiatives nearer to actuality,” the undertaking mentioned.

How briskly would the practice journey?

The practice is predicted to have a mean pace of 130 km/h. Beneath the present design, touring from Detroit to Traverse Metropolis would take 4 hours and half-hour, in line with the undertaking’s web site.

When would the North + South rail service begin?

The undertaking has not set a date for completion timelineand says it is nonetheless too early within the course of.

Contact Sarah Moore @ smoore@lsj.com