Allen Road Grade Separation Project

Opening the Downriver Economic Corridor

The Allen Road Grade Separation Project is a major infrastructure initiative designed to solve one of Downriver’s most persistent transportation challenges: long, unpredictable train blockages at the Allen Road railroad crossing in the City of Woodhaven.

This project will improve safety, reduce congestion, support economic growth, and provide a more reliable travel experience for residents, commuters, and businesses.

In 2020, the overall grade separation was divided into three major phases:

• Phase 1: Roadway Improvements (2020 - 2022): Roadway improvements along Allen Road and Van Horn Road, preparing the corridor for the grade separation.
• Phase 2: Utility Relocation (2021 - 2026): Relocating private utilities to allow for the construction of the elevated railroad bridge.
• Phase 3: Bridge Construction (2026 - 2028): Will complete the road grade separation with the elevated railroad crossing and lowered roadway.

Project Map

For decades, trains entering the Canadian National (CN) Flat Rock Yard have created frequent, lengthy blockages at the Allen Road crossing that disrupt Woodhaven traffic — sometimes lasting 45 minutes or more, with one 2014 instance exceeding six hours. This project will create a smooth, uninterrupted flow of traffic and eliminate dangerous, unpredictable backups.