DETROIT – The Michigan Department of Transportation issued the following statement about rail infrastructure improvements on Monday, Jan. 22, 2018:
Rail infrastructure improvements along the Chicago/Detroit/Pontiac Michigan Line will allow for safe, dependable, and faster travel along this vital passenger and freight corridor. Passengers on the Amtrak Wolverine Service and Chicago – Port Huron Blue Water will get to their final destinations in less time and with fewer delays. These new times take effect on Jan. 22, with a new Amtrak schedule available online.
Between Porter, Ind., and Dearborn, this rail corridor is now dispatched by Amtrak staff, which ensures the efficient movement of passenger trains,” said Tim Hoeffner, Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) Office of Rail director. “We hope this encourages people to consider the train for their next trip, especially with upcoming construction and high traffic volumes along the I-94 corridor.”
Maximum speeds on the line is 110 mph on the Amtrak-owned section between Porter and Kalamazoo. On the MDOT-owned portion, the maximum speeds are 79 mph, but they are expected to increase to 110 mph this year in certain sections once the testing of the positive train control system is completed and when new locomotives are put into service.