CADILLAC — The goal of getting a passenger train that connects Southeast Michigan and Northern Michigan is one step closer to completion, as phase two of the longtime plan is now in the works.
The Groundwork Center for Resilient Communities is spearheading ‘The Northern Michigan Passenger Rail Project.
It all started back in 2018, when the Groundwork Center and many state, federal, and community partners began exploring the idea of how to have passenger rail service on an existing freight line between Northern and southeast Michigan.
Transportation Program Director Jim Bruckbauer said it could include stops in Traverse City, Petoskey, Cadillac, Ann Arbor and possibly Detroit.
“There was an initial feasibility study that looked at lots of different route options and lots of different scenarios. And this phase two process will really outline what exactly this train service will look like,” said Bruckbauer.
The project, now in phase two, is about to launch a national search for a transportation planning firm and seek input from local communities along the proposed line.