Amtrak and its Midwestern partners have secured up to $300 million in federal grants to improve rail service through the Federal Railroad Administration’s Consolidated Rail Infrastructure and Safety Improvements (CRISI) program. This funding is part of a broader initiative to bolster rail infrastructure, primarily the Chicago Hub Improvement Program (CHIP), aimed at making the Midwest’s rail services faster, safer, and more efficient.
“Amtrak’s vision is to double ridership by 2040, and these grants are a critical step in that journey,” said Amtrak CEO Stephen Gardner. CHIP will address bottlenecks and increase capacity in the Chicago hub, which serves as a major gateway for Midwest rail travel, including key routes that connect Michigan to Chicago.
Michigan Lines to See Major Upgrades in Efficiency, Safety
Among the funded projects is the Wolverine and Blue Water Capacity Enhancement project, which focuses on a 19-mile segment on the Amtrak-owned Michigan Line. This congested track, used by Michigan-Chicago trains, experiences significant delays due to single tracking. A portion of up to $8.38 million from CRISI grants, matched by Amtrak and the Michigan Department of Transportation, will go towards finalizing design work that promises to minimize bottlenecks and reduce travel times.
Amtrak’s commitment extends beyond passenger capacity. The Grade Crossing Shunt Enhancement Safety Project, backed by up to $58.8 million in federal grants, seeks to upgrade crossing safety along Michigan’s rail lines and across the country by installing new devices to ensure reliable grade crossing activation.
Key Partners Praise Historic Investments
State and federal officials have emphasized the strategic significance of this investment. U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth called the grants a testament to the vital role Illinois and neighboring states play as major rail crossroads, while Senator Dick Durbin highlighted the economic and infrastructural importance of modernizing the network for passenger and freight needs.
The CRISI grants come as part of President Joe Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, marking the most significant rail investment in half a century. FRA Administrator Amit Bose expressed optimism, pointing out how projects like these will enhance regional connectivity and contribute to the nation’s larger economic goals.
Amtrak Projects Address Michigan-Chicago Passenger Experience
The ongoing rail improvements signal tangible benefits for Michigan residents who rely on Amtrak for business and leisure travel. By increasing speed and reducing congestion, these projects aim to make rail a competitive transportation option in the region. As Amtrak President Roger Harris put it during a separate announcement, the CRISI grants represent a key down payment in reversing decades of underinvestment in U.S. rail services.
Additional Investments Enrich Midwest Rail Network
Amtrak has supported other significant projects, including the Muskego Yard Bypass in Wisconsin and Springfield Rail Improvements in Illinois, reinforcing the network’s role as a vital transportation corridor for the Midwest.
While Michigan and the broader Midwest stand to benefit, challenges remain in ensuring sustained funding and addressing evolving transportation demands.
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