LANSING — A package of bills that would prioritize grade separation between local surface streets and train tracks as well as create a grade separation grant program passed the Michigan Senate unanimously. The bills, sponsored by Senator Darrin Camilleri (D-Trenton) is the latest in a series of moves taken by the Downriver lawmaker to address long wait times at train crossings in his district and around the state.
In 2020, Camilleri worked with then State Representative Jason Sheppard to pass House Bill 5861 that was inspired by a successful program in Indiana, and would allow municipalities to apply for state funding and would put up 20 percent of the cost while the state would supply the other 80 percent from the local grade separation fund for approved priority projects.
At the time Camilleri stated, “Solving the issue at Allen Road in Woodhaven was a huge victory for our Downriver community, but the fact of the matter is there are so many other crossings like Allen Road across our region and our state, including issues in New Boston and Trenton. By creating this statewide grade separation fund, we will make our communities safer, provide easier routes to schools and hospitals, and unlock economic opportunity for our region.”
The package of bills now heads to the Michigan House of Representatives.
