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DEARBORN, MI – Representatives Debbie Dingell (D-MI), Haley Stevens (D-MI), and Tim Walberg (R-MI) joined Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) Director Paul Ajegba, Wayne County Mayors and public safety officials, railroad representatives, and local business leaders to discuss the urgent need to work together to face significant challenges at a number of railroad crossings in Western Wayne and Monroe Counties.

As a manufacturing hub of world, Michigan depends on a strong rail transportation system. There are numerous sites in Southeast Michigan that trains have blocked roadways, at times for hours, causing public safety concerns and serious inconveniences for motorists, especially when trains block intersections for hours which they have on numerous occasions.

“Everyone understands there’s a problem. Once again we heard devastating stories of lives threatened by blocked train crossings on roads in our community. It’s on all of us to work together to figure this out,” said Dingell. “Last week in Washington, I met with Federal Railroad Administrator Ronald Batory – who is from Michigan and lived in Dearborn for several years. Our group will continue to meet regularly, be inclusive of everyone effected, and ensure that everyone is on the same page, rowing in the same direction that helps address every community’s issues. These problems impact us all, and we need a commitment from everyone on a plan that helps all of us.”

“For too long, communities in southeast Michigan have dealt with railroad crossings that block roadways for long periods of time,” said Stevens. “These blocked roadways aren’t just an inconvenience, they put Michiganders in danger by delaying first responders. I look forward to working with state and local leaders to find solutions that prioritize public safety while acknowledging the importance of rail transportation to our manufacturing economy.”

“Public safety is top of mind at railroad crossings in Monroe and Western Wayne Counties. Today’s meeting with federal, state, local, and railroad officials is an important step to identify solutions that will enhance safety and efficiency for residents in these impacted communities,” said Walberg.

“Building on the leadership of Congresswoman Dingell and our regional Congressional delegation, our local Mayors and Township Supervisors are uniting to bring relief to our communities that suffer excessive rail road crossing blockages that compromise our first responders and the traveling public. For the first time in decades, all the necessary players have been convened to develop concrete long term solutions to this problem. We remain hopeful relief is obtainable,” said Huron Township Supervisor David Glaab.

“The impact that train blockages have on local communities are real,” said Kevin Krause, Romulus Director of Fire Services & Emergency Management. “First Responders are delayed on a regular basis which means our community suffers not only in times of emergency, but also daily as it effects their quality of life. It is imperative that there is a bi-partisan effort between Federal and State Legislators along with Michigan Department of Transportation for collaborative solutions that provide immediate and long term relief.”

“We at MDOT are committed to finding solutions to the grade separation issues we have throughout Southeast Michigan. It was so important to have stakeholders from each side participate. I’m grateful that Congresswoman Dingell and our entire Congressional Delegation for leading this effort and continuing to bring us all together to find solutions and set short- and long-term goals.” - Paul Ajegba, MDOT Director

This meeting followed a meeting last month where the attendees agreed to establish a working group to address both short-term and long-term issues to be led by MDOT Director Ajegba, Michigan Railroad Association President Jon Cool, Dingell, and other representatives.

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